Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation Youth Centre

by Joey Volschenk in January 2012 - Community Caring

It’s true that one person can make a difference, however a group or a community that supports and motivates each other is more likely to bring about constant change.

Situated just past the Masiphumelele turn off, across from Masi High is the Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation’s Youth Centre. It is here where Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation together with community has joined forces in order to provide local youth with a safe and fun environment in which they can develop. Many individuals and organisations from around the world have contributed the funds to build what is now a beautiful, comprehensive Youth Centre in the heart of the Valley. Everyday an enthusiatic team of nurses, counselors, educators and volunteers led by the coordinator, Dante Robbertze, open the doors to youth between the ages of 12 and 22 years and the only rule is ‘have fun’.

The DTHF has had a footprint in the Masi community for more than 10 years: “Our aim was to bring HIV care to the community in the early days of the epidemic... We have watched the community grow and have participated in the activities of the clinic including antiretroviral provision, HIV counseling and testing and preventative programs. It is a well known phenomenon that adolescents prefer to receive advice and services in an adolescent friendly environment from staff that are trained specifically in their needs. We also heard from the youth at the time that they had very little opportunity for safe recreation in Masi,” says Dante.

The Desmond Tutu HIV Foundation decided that the only way to approach and solve the problem was to come up with a combination approach of supporting adolescent friendly health services with fun and educational programs.

“We have recognised that adolescence is a very dynamic developmental phase and keeping adolescents focused requires innovation and creativity, says Dante.

So, we decided to focus on the growth of the individual, we want to help the youth develop, offer them a place of comfort, a safe environment where they can be educated and taught necessary life skills with an emphasis on healthy choices – hence the establishment of the Youth Centre.”

In March this year, the Centre officially opened its doors to the youth of the Valley. They have had more than 800 pupils register over the past six months, and together with other NGOs and support and advice from the enthusiastic youth advocacy group, the Future Fighters, developed the centre into the exciting recreational and educational hub of the community. They aim to present the youth with a variety of options; dance, art and English classes; business mentoring, gardening and surfing – to name a few. Fun activities such as snooker, table tennis and even a Movie day on Fridays – sponsored by Vee’s Videos have been included.

“A fun loyalty program has been introduced and young people can sign up and earn points for attendance and completion of courses and programs. There are great opportunities for prizes and awards,” says an enthusiastic Dante.

Ultimately the team hope that these and other activities will empower members of the Youth Centre, create career opportunities and teach the art of decision making.

But this said, whilst the building is up and paid for, the reality of every situation is that sustainable funding for ongoing and new programs is key and whilst many individuals have been wonderfully generous through gifts and sponsorships, the Youth Centre will require ongoing funding.

“The young people have asked for a peace garden, a place away from the bustle of their environment, in addition a soccer pitch would be enthusiastically utilised! We think a vegetable garden would be great and already the variety of parallel activities may need more classrooms and workshops in the future,”

It has been great to see how young people from the Valley have embraced the Youth Centre, signed up and are enthusiastically attending - it is also a great opportunity for the Valley at large to become involved in the future of South Africa. All donations whether cash or kind would be most gratefully received: individuals, companies or businesses that are willing to offer their services, time or money are invited to do so.”

The Desmond Tutu Youth Centre also greatly values the support of volunteers and the participation of the community:

“We aren’t experts in every field, so we ask teachers (retired or not), students or anyone who is willing to donate their time and knowledge to help in any aspect; educative, recreational, inspirational or just good fun to please contact us. If you have a good idea also please contact us - we’re looking for variety and novelty.”

In short the aim of the Youth Centre is to make a lasting difference in the life of every teenager, “The future of South Africa is in the hands of this next generation... this is our chance to ensure the skills, motivations, opportunities and guidance is readily available to each and every young person in this Valley.”

If you are able to help the Desmond Tutu Youth Centre please contact them on 021 785 4570 or 082 740 4400.