By Ethienne Arends
East London will soon have a youth centre like no other in South Africa. Something Marius Gradwell, project founder, says is really needed. “I did a lot of research and studied other programmes around the country and we’ve not seen another programme like this. Our Gap programme will teach youngsters everything they need to empower themselves from writing their CV’s (curriculum vitae), applying for a job and how to prepare for a job interview.
“It will also include team building exercises and sports. The sports section will not only include physical exercise but will also show youngsters how to stay healthy,” said an eager Marius.
The centre, at the old Byletts Farm premises, will feature trained facilitators living and assisting at the centre. There will also be various professionals, including life coaches, medics, artists, musicians, businesspeople that will provide expert help on a regular basis.
He says the Gap programme, was “birthed from a concern” for young people, especially those in small towns and rural villages. They range from the simple need for direction in life to a broken past of abuse, strife and neglect hampering the present and future. Many young people complete their education – matric and even tertiary education – and then they sit around because they can’t find jobs.
“This programme will help young people find themselves and equip them with the skills needed to empower themselves,” said Marius, who is also a founder of the Umtata Christian School.
The Gap name came about from the gaps that youth usually have because they lack motivation and direction. “Gaps are vulnerable areas of young people’s lives – in their body, soul or spirit. “We seek to instil truthful, healthy thoughts, attitudes, feeling and behaviours. “Improving skills and productivity – encouraging the youth to be independent and productive members of society,” said Marius.
He said the programme will consist of three legs, which will include the youth firstly dealing with past troubles, then getting individuals to realise their uniqueness and self-worth.
They will then be taught values and encouraged to choose a lifestyle that includes issues of decision-making, how values inform life choices, routines and relationships. They will lastly get future orientation which will, “cast a vision for a purposeful and fruitful future; strategic links created between participants and intuitions that will help them aim for the future.”
The first phase and intake of the Gap programme will start in February 2010 and will include 48 young people between the ages of 17 and 24 – comprising 24 women and 24 men. The new centre is looking to raise funds to buy some of the things it still needs like sport equipment, vehicles and furniture.
Gap had a presentation dinner introducing the Gap Mentorship Programme on Thursday, November 26, at the Border Conference Centre at the Christian Centre in Abbotsford.
For more information e-mail Tinneke du Plessis tinneke@christiancentre.co.za.