Where we are
Based on our own experiences as well as readings and interviews with young people in Kayamandi and Vlottenburg, we have compiled a list of some of the challenges that prevent the youth from realizing their greatest potential. We believe these challenges might be universally applicable to youth from previously disadvantaged and under served communities. Examples of some of the challenges that are faced include but are not limited to the following:
Poor socioeconomic circumstances - Income poverty is closely related to poor health, reduced access to education, and physical environments that compromise personal safety. The majority of the youth in under serviced communities like Kayamandi and Vlottenburg live in this influence of poverty. In Kayamandi, a large percentage of the population live in shack structures that are built with scrap pieces of wood, hardboard, and corrugated iron sheets. In Vlottenburg many of the people live in homes without electricity. Both communities suffer from overcrowding with the average household consisting of a two room house being shared by five people. Most of the children come from single parent homes (primarily being the mother) or homes with an adult that is not necessarily the biological parent. As a result of these poor socioeconomic circumstances, the youth experience is prone to sexual abuse, teenage pregnancy, AIDS-related deaths, alcohol abuse, and drug related crimes.
Poor schooling system - There are numerous historical, political, and socio-cultural factors that have contributed to the poor academic performance of learners in many South African schools. The learning environment within the African context in general is framed by poverty and disadvantage, and characterized by inadequate physical resources, overcrowding, and sparse supplies of learning materials and books.
Lack of opportunities and resources - In general, youth in under serviced communities have little exposure to cultural events, places of societal and historical interest, and other sources of learning other than what exists in their home communities. The lack of access to mass media sources (television, radio, newspapers, and internet) prevents a knowledge and understanding of current events.
Lack of role models - The majority of adults that interact with the youth are blue collar workers, farm workers, domestic workers, or unemployed. These adults have not completed school and testify to not being able to assist their children with school work or career planning, therefore the crucial years of child development are left void of mentors and/or role models.
Because of the impact that poverty has on so many aspects of their lives, children suffer in the short and long-term and few dream of a brighter future. It is against this background that we operate in the Kayamandi Township and the wider Vlottenburg farming community.
