In a heartening display of youthful enthusiasm and community spirit, a group of Grade 12 learners from the Youth Unleash Outreaches (YUO) programme recently took on a transformative project with the Sinoville Crisis Centre.
Driven by a deep-seated desire to support those in need and inspired by the impactful work of the centre, these dedicated learners embarked on a mission to revamp the facility and alleviate some of the burdens crime victims carry.
Founder of YUO Omolemo Kadiege said the primary objective of the initiative was to ensure that the last thing a crime victim should worry about upon visiting the centre was the cost of essential items.
She said by focusing on this crucial aspect, YUO aimed to provide tangible support without direct interaction with the individuals being helped.
The project saw 10 enthusiastic Grade 12 learners come together to pack “essential boxes” filled with necessities such as washcloths, toothpaste, and other items that could offer immediate relief to those in distress.
The learners also contributed to the beautification of the centre by donating and planting new, vibrant plants in the garden, creating a more welcoming and soothing environment for visitors.
“The initiative, executed without encountering any significant challenges, reflects the group’s seamless co-ordination and strong organisational skills as each volunteer played a crucial role in ensuring that the project was both impactful and efficient.”
To date, YUO has partnered with six different organisations, showcasing a consistent track record of community service.
“I hope this project has relieved the heavy weight off the residents’ shoulders and we plan to continue diving into the underprivileged parts of the community and help where we can as a youth,” said Kadiege.
Sinoville Crisis Centre CEO Frederike van der Walt said this initiative shows that more young people are interested in helping community centres.
“It was so heartwarming to see such dedicated young ones come here to donate and help us revamp our garden.
The garden brings positivity to the centre because when our victims come, they sit in the garden and that plays a huge role in helping them heal from whatever they are dealing with.”
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