Crossroads ready for action

AFTER a roller coaster year of achievements and challenges, Crossroads Teen Centre is ready to tackle the New Year with a bang.

With a growing number of members and limited funding, the centre committee spent the better half of 2015 expanding and sourcing new material, while continuing to cater for the youth in every way possible.

Although many projects are still ongoing, the centre is looking forward to the completion of the computer room this year.

A slight bump in the road, the challenges did not outweigh the achievements, which included the improvement of tutorial sessions, mentoring, facilities and much more.

‘We are proud to report that all Grade 12 pupils who attended Crossroads have passed and even received distinctions,’ said Centre Manager Desire Laatz.

‘We are very proud of them and wish them all the best at University.’

Other proud moments include the discovery of the teen’s talents through the centre’s music room, which has allowed the youth to explore, learn and develop their talents and as a result, perform at a number of Crossroads events.

Bennie

Well-known Zululander and former Crossroads Centre Manager, Bennie Mthembu bid farewell to the centre last year as he relocated to the USA.

Playing a pivotal role at the centre, Bennie’s departure was a major loss, but thanks to the dedicated committee, the centre continued on stronger than ever.

Projects

With all the funding received from monthly sponsors and various donations, the centre was able to add much to their itinerary such as career workshops, expansion projects, a Magistrate’s Court tour, two outreach projects, and over 40 tutorial sessions.

‘Despite the funding struggle, we still had a very blessed year,’ said Desire.

2016

Geared up and ready to go, the centre is excited to launch their new programmes which include the ‘Boys and Girls club’, computer lessons, ‘Kids For Christ’ Bible study and many more.

‘We also plan on celebrating our teen’s birthdays each month, Valentine’s Day, Easter and more,’ said Desire.

‘We will continue to offer multiple cultural lessons, tutorial sessions each term as well as career workshops.

‘Outreach projects will be planned later this year as well as a youth camp that focuses on leadership skills, if funding allows for it.’

With many new developments and plans to upgrade the centre, the committee is pleading to community members to assist with sponsorship or donations.

‘We are excited for what lies ahead and will be forever grateful for what we can get.’