BY OBAKENG MAJE
TAUNG-based Youth organisation appeal to the youth to heed the call and take charge of their lives.

The requisition came about after the organisation’s concerns over inundated calls they received from parents who are sick and tired of their kids who take life for granted.

FATLHOGANG Youth Support Organisation Manager, Kereng Plaatjie said they have received calls from concerned parents for assistance after their kids chose wayward activities.

“We always visit those parents who are concern and try to talk to their kids, unfortunately some of them does not take us serious, even though we try to make them see how important their future is,” Plaatjie said.

She said being part of a group can help young people develop important personal and interpersonal skills.

“These include the ability to think critically and solve problems, and the assumption of personal and group responsibility.

“It can also help young people gain self-confidence and self-esteem. Contributing to a group can help them see themselves as being able to really help other people, and having something important to offer,” she said.

According to a 32 year-old co-owner of Fatlhogang Youth Support
Organisation, Thabo Ntopo who is an ex-convict said they visit schools frequently to encourage young people to stand up against substance abuse, crime, teenage pregnancy and HIV/Aids.

“We visit schools in what we call a community dialogue, where we
give an opportunity to both parent and learner to discuss this issues
openly. We have realized that there is a lack of communication between
parents and the youth” Ntopo said.

Ntopo said their aim is to help in building moral, self-esteem and
confidence in their fellow young people, and to help them rise above
all circumstances.

The organisation said they help the youth to reduce the risk of becoming involved in unsafe activities, such as using drugs and alcohol.

“Being involved in community activities has been shown to be a protective factor–that is, it helps young people to make healthy choices. That’s because by being involved in an organization, they can develop a “safe” identity, and are less likely to participate in unsafe activities (such as becoming sexually active before they are ready) to feel they belong,” said Plaatjie.

She advised young people to get involved in organizations so that they can develop job skills, including organization, the ability to run meetings, and experience working with a wide variety of people.

“These skills that young people learn from being part of a group can help them be better prepared for any job they might choose,”.

North West Social Development department spokesperson, Petrus Siko said they offer free training through their skill development unit and encourages youth organisations not to give up because their part is very imperative within the communities.

“Often, organizations give youth a safe space that they wouldn’t have otherwise–a place where they can express themselves through arts and activities, or just by being able to talk openly with peers and caring adults.

“Youth organizations offer opportunities for leadership that young people might not get otherwise,” Siko said.

He said young people involved in organizations can receive information on staying safe and healthy from their peers or adults they know and respect. They then pass on this information to other young people.

“We would like to advise any organisation to always access our free training for skill developments if they encounter any challenges so that they can swiftly deal with problems at hand. Our doors are always opened and the youth must wake up and smell cup of coffee because life isn’t a game,” concludes Siko.

-TDN

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