Project description
When Pastor John in the city of Ghanzi, Botswana, San youth saw loitering on the streets when they should actually be in school, he decided to do something about it. With his team, he takes to the streets to talk to the young people and their carers. Reverend John catches young people and offers support. He also seeks out young people who live far away in the fields where their parents herd cattle. These young people often do not go to school either. Those who cannot go to school (back) learn a trade. This gives hope to young people in a sometimes hopeless situation.
Why this project?
Those who have learnt a trade find jobs more easily. Those who earn their own money can provide for themselves and their families. So school is important for the future of Ghanzi's youth. Pastor Johannes wants to get through to these young people and encourage them to go (back) to school. With his outreach workers, he seeks out the children living in remote areas. He interacts with the youth and their parents and is determined to reduce the number of 'drop-outs'.
Impact
Reverend John organises camps and starts discussion groups. He provides training in social skills and consults with teachers. He also maps the problem so that he can discuss it with local authorities. San youth involved in this project gain self-respect and are perceived as fuller. Those who used to live on the streets now go to school and learn a trade.
What can we learn?
Children and youth worldwide need adult role models: righteous, responsible men and women. An African proverb says: 'It takes a village to raise a child'. It takes an entire village, an entire community, to raise a child. Nice when adults take responsibility.
