Youth Education

The fight against HIV and Aids is only going to be won, if the myths prevalent amongst young people are dispelled; e.g, the belief that Aids is cured by having intercourse with a virgin, which is the direct cause of the many rape cases reported amongst children and infants; the belief that regular sexual intercourse is required to prevent mental insanity.

The Trust employs 3 full-time Youth Educators based at the Centre we have established (along with a new library) at the local senior school Ð Samkelwe Senior Secondary School. The Educators are trained to offer small group discussions, classroom teaching or individual counseling for Aids Prevention. The Trust is beginning to build a Media Library of relevant material (dvdÕs, pamphlets, posters etc.) for use at this Center. We would appreciate any new material for the Center.

As a Christian Organisation, the Trust is committed to promoting Abstinence amongst the youth and providing Life skills training to assist the youth in the many challenges they face today, as well as answer some of their questions on marriage, sex, dating, and so on.

The Education Centre is open weekdays and available to the community at large and teenagers, after school hours and in holiday periods. The Trust is hoping to run Holiday Clubs for the youth with input from students who are interested in volunteering to run small holiday groups. (January and July)

Preschools

The Trust supports 4 preschools with food for toddlers lunches, which is delivered monthly by volunteers and on an ad hoc basis supplies educational equipment and materials. 2 of the teachers receive a stipend from the Trust and ongoing assistance with training. The Preschools situated in 4 different areas reaching Xhosa and Afrikaans-speaking children are: Langbos (30 children daily) Ollie Olifant (60 children) Unathi (about 50 children) and Mrs KhaweÕs preschool (40 to 60 children).
All 4 Preschools lack Educational toys, equipment and adequate salaries for the teachers, as well as training and kitchen facilities.