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Save our youth and save our future
Dr Karen Bishop. HIV Pathogenesis Programme, DDMRI. UKZN Online Newsletter. Issue 5. UKZN.
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The lunch time conversation was about crime, yet again. It?’s so easy to complain about the lack of action taken by our government in combating crime, and yes, most of us feel that there is nothing we can do about it. Sure, we can pack up and leave, but there is obviously something that holds us here, why else are we still here? Perhaps it is because we know that our country is worth saving and we are unsure of how to go about achieving this, or maybe it is complacency and waiting for the next person to carry the load. If it is the former, then there is a way we can make a difference.
We bemoan the fact that children are left parentless due to HIV/AIDS and that many fathers fail in their responsibility to their children. We are all aware that this situation leaves children vulnerable to abuse and to moving into a life of crime. After all, uneducated children, who have received little guidance, become adults too, just the same as any other child. However, these children are far more likely to move into a life of crime than a child who has been nurtured and guided by someone with sound moral values. So, do you want to make a difference? And yes, it will require some effort on your part, but hopefully, after a short time, it won?’t feel like ?‘effort?’.
Are you prepared to spend a minimum of one hour a week for a year (sure, you can have a holiday) with a child? Are you prepared to be a friend and a role model to a child? Save our youth and we save our future. Apply for enrolment with Big Brothers Big Sisters South Africa (BBBSSA) and do something positive for the youth of South Africa today.
So what is BBBSSA really about? BBBSSA is part of an international programme that now operates in 32 countries. It aims to facilitate positive youth development by offering one-to-one mentoring relationships between selected and trained adult volunteers (such as yourselves) and children/youth at risk. All children/youth who participate in the programme are between the ages of six and 18 years of age. The programme operates on three levels viz. in schools, in children?’s homes and in the community.
A number of UKZN staff members and students (Bigs) have joined BBBSSA and have been matched with Littles (a child/youth). I was matched with a Little in August 2006. To date my experience has been a positive one and I look forward to spending time with my Little. When did you last enjoy baking gingerbread men, playing soccer, drumming (during a fun day organised by BBBSSA) or just sitting on a swing and chatting? Yes, mentoring a Little is a commitment and it can also be fun and rewarding.
If you would like to know more about the programme or wish to volunteer, please contact the Programme Co-ordinator (KZN), Joshika Ramlall Tel: 031 461 5657 Fax: 031 461 5649 Email: [email protected] |
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