After months of research, Addicted 4 Change (A4C) launched last week whereand almost 600 youth attended.
“We knew we wanted to implement something for the youth to empower them and keep them off the streets, we didn’t think it would be this big,” Fairyal Hutton said.
Through their research, the A4C team discovered that many of the youth wanted something to keep them active.
“We discovered that there aren’t resources for the youth to live out their passion, it takes the dreams away from our youth,” Euston Lemmetjies said.
At the A4C programme has life skills programmes where forms of art and sport will be brought alive.
“We want to give the sense of belonging to our youth because most of them don’t get it at home, we want them to feel loved and special,” Lemmetjies said.
A4C helps children identity their full potential and capacity and make them understand their talents.
The target age group is 10-16 years old because these are the ‘vulnerable’ youth.
“Children from as young as 10 years old are exposed to the world of drugs, if we plant a positive seed in them now, by the time they reach 16 years old, they wouldn’t be influenced,” Lemmetjies said.
The A4C team had a drama on Friday at Die Fakkel Hoerskool where most of the actors are ex-addicts.
A4C is also committed to building relationships with the youth who join.
“We are seen as big brothers and sisters,” Hutton said.
A4C takes place every Friday from 2:30pm.
Lemmetjies can be reached on 081 428 8175 for more information.
