KAYLYNN PALM
In commemoration of Human Rights Day (Monday March 21), the Ministry of Youth (MOY) will host a community event at the Boeing netball field, in Rocklands, on Saturday March 19.
The event will also include a presentation by the Ex-prisoners’ Ministry, items from motivational speakers and entertainment.
MOY was established in 2013 and was registered in 2015. It has seven executive members and a youth group of 42.
Mike Govender, secretary of MOY, said the aim of the organisation is to facilitate and implement development opportunities for the youth.
“Our main objectives are to empower and uplift standards of sport at a grassroots level. Also to provide a community service and to capacitate the youth in the community through developmental projects to become self-reliant.
“We assist young people with bursary applications, we run a feeding scheme and we run holiday programmes,” he said.
Mr Govender said MOY works in collaboration with other organisations which deal with crime prevention, social development and community development for the youth.
MOY has hosted a range of community events, which include a youth day event, a street party, prayer meeting, carols by candlelight and an open air event.
Youth leader Linda Johnson said young people are engaging in drugs and joining gangs. She said MOY aims to keep them off the streets and empower them.
“It saddens me to see our youth throwing their lives away by doing drugs and becoming gangsters. They are losing hope because they do not have positive role models, people to inspire and motivate them.
“MOY wants to encourage young people and give them hope. After all, we are the future and our country needs responsible and educated people,” she said.
Clarence Trouncell treasurer of the MOY, said residents should brace themselves for an informative and fun event. “We have worked hard to put the event together so we are encouraging people to attend. Together, let us save our youth,” he urged.
* The event will be at the netball feld in Boeing Street, Rocklands, on Saturday March 19, at 2pm. Contact 021 391 2043 or 073 634 7123 or email ministryofyouth2015@gmail.com for more information.