I had an interesting meeting with Norman Jantjies whos specific area within Community Safety is Gangs and all issues relating to this - within areas such as Nyanga where we are already active with the Youth. Nyanga was only two years back high ranking as number one on the list of murders committed - sometimes up to 35 a week within the community.
Our focus today was to explore the synergy and how SmilingOne can assist, also in gang related issues. Many of the people we work with (inside prison especially) do have a past in gangsterism. They often share how they turned to gangs when it seemed as if there was nothing else to turn to - it became their 'family' and a way of survival. Utilizing their knowledge, their skills and the changed path they are walking with THE RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL - also upon release - can be exactly what is needed to inspire our communities and manage/prevent crime. It is important to know our options and that there are people who care!
The Dept of Community has asked us to prepare a proposal to be presented to them beginning of February 2011- with focus on Gangs in Nyanga - to be run as a one year pilot (next to our already existing initiative which also addresses and deals with similar issues - reaching youth before they decide to involve themselves in gangs and crime).
I will keep you posted!
Happy Friday Everyone!
Share a SMILE, touch a HEART : )
In Gratitude
Karina
