It has almost been three months since the official launch of the Eldorado Park Youth Social Crime Prevention Cadet Programme, a first of its kind, not only in the community but countrywide.
The Cadet programme aims to empower the youth of the community and possibly bring about positive change, not only within themselves but in the entire community.
Dereleen James, a community activist and one of the initiators of the programme said that the programme is an initiative by all stakeholders within the community.
“We looked at the people who were causing the chaos in our community, we realised that is was mostly our youth, they have become destructive because they have nothing to do and that is what the programme is about. To empower them, so they can inspire others,” said James.
- Help little Teygon get a wheelchair [also read]
Since the official launch, the Cadets have been trained on work readiness, First Aid, sign language and close quarter combat.
The Cadets have recently received training on the various legislative acts pertaining to social-ills namely; child justice, domestic violence, abuse of elderly persons, sexual offences, protection of harassment and substance abuse.
Daphne Naidoo, who is the deputy director heading Probation and Canalization and Crime Prevention for the Johannesburg Metro has been training the Cadets.
“The aim is to make sure that they are empowered and carry that out into the community and empower others. With knowledge comes empowerment and that is the focus.
“The point is also for them to know all these things in order to hold the various stakeholders accountable,” said Naidoo.
The Cadets have already successfully visited schools where raids were demonstrated. Weapons, drug and alcohol were amongst the items that were confiscated from school learners.
“We are getting equipped with the skills needed to carry out successful operations in the future,” said Jewell Mare, who is one of the Cadets.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
