Before the Indlovu Youth Centre was built, the young people of Monwabisi Park had absolutely no recreational facilities whatsoever. They had the choice of hanging around the streets or frequenting the many informal bars or shebeens. Crime in this area is rampant, as are drug and alcohol abuse.

Getting the kids off the streets and into a safe, interesting place was a priority. The Youth Centre provides just that. It is well equipped with TV, DVD, music centre, pool table, air hockey and hand football tables. There is also a small library, couches and armchairs and tables where scholars can do their homework.

The older members help the younger ones with homework after school. The children who attend schools that do not provide lunch for their pupils come to the centre hungry and unable to concentrate. So Mpembe Mati, the director of the centre, prepares fortified milkshakes and fruit for the learners.

There are strict rules for our youth centre – namely NO DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL, NO FIGHTING, NO PROSELYTISING AND NO POLITICS.

The youth are encouraged to be helpful at home, respectful to each other and members of their community.

Regular meetings are open to all and every voice can be heard. The children are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the centre – which they do wholeheartedly.

We believe our children are the hope of South Africa, but the ones who live in the poverty of squatter camps have a huge struggle for decent education, safe recreational facilities or even enough food. Now the children of Monwabisi Park are being given a chance for gaining the opportunities needed for a better life.