Intervention for children and youth is one of the provincial Department of Social Development’s priorities, and among beneficiaries who can live to tell is Marruwaan Meyer (23), who is completing his studies at Boland College.
The department owns and funds seven secure Child and Youth Care Centres (CYCC) for youth in conflict with the law and those who pose behavioural challenges. There are 53 of these non-profits scattered across the province for those in need of care and protection.
Meyer, a former resident of Horizon and Bonnytoun CYCC, said the support he received from social development staff at the facilities he was sentenced to as a teenager helped him get to where he is today.
He is completing his final year of study in 0inistration at Boland College and captaining the college’s A-team men’s soccer team.
“My dream is to inspire other young men who come from a similar background to mine to make a positive change in their lives and in their communities.
“I want to start an NPO that uses sports for youth development and upliftment. At Horizon, the staff constantly told us to think about life after school. I knew I needed to have an exit plan so I wouldn’t fall back into my old ways.”
Each year more than 1 500 children and youth are taken into DSD secure care centres, and 2 880 in NPO CYCCs across the province.
The department also provides probation and diversion services for children involved in less serious crimes to try to prevent them remaining in the system.
“The young people in these facilities come from challenging backgrounds,” said Sharna Fernandez, provincial minister of Social Development.
“Many are grappling with various issues such as substance use disorders or gang affiliation. It takes great passion and commitment to ensure they are cared for and supported. This is why I commend the Deparment of Social Development’s staff who walk alongside young people like Marruwaan, to ensure they go from vulnerability to resilience, so they may inspire others to do the same.”
The department is committed to supporting vulnerable children and youth, through its 14 funded drop-in centres and 10 Risiha sites in Stellenbosch, George, Wynberg, Hout Bay, Swellendam, Delft, Mossel Bay, Philippi, Plettenberg Bay, Sedgefield, Murraysburg, Mitchells Plain, Mowbray, Khayelitsha, Woodstock, Mannenberg, Bishop Lavis and Lavender Hill.
These are community-based, prevention and early intervention programmes developed to enhance efforts to protect, and support orphaned and vulnerable children, some of whom are living in child and youth-headed households, who have chronic health conditions, as well as those living, begging, or working on the streets.
- For more about departmental services call the toll-free number 0800 220 250 or visit your nearest Department of Social Development local office, or visit www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/social-development
