Youth empowerment organisation launched

GRAAFF-REINET NUUS — The Kroonvale Youth Organization was launched on Friday, February 16.

The organisation has two main objectives: to improve employment opportunities and to regenerate moral values in the community.

Reith Lewis has been elected as chairperson of the organisation, with Calvin Cona as his deputy.

The treasurer is Blake Kaboua, secretary Melanie Oormeyer and PRO, Lesley-Ann Schultz.

"So many of the youth are just sitting around, drinking, smoking and often taking drugs because there is nothing for them to do," said Lewis.

"We want to be proactive, and help them before they get into trouble".

Lewis, who grew up in the area, remembers than in his youth there was a cinema and a swimming pool, but now the area is deteriorating and there are no facilities for recreation.

The group wants to encourage the youth to organise constructive recreational activities themselves, rather than waiting for government or the municipality to do things for them.

Within the next few weeks, the new committee will come up with a provisional programme for the year, in conjunction with social development and the municipality.

They are in the process of applying to be registered as a Non-Profit Organisation (NPO). Once the programme has been established, it will be widely advertised in the area. Everyone is welcome to join the organisation and can contact Reith Lewis on 084 926 9702 for more information.