Youth Centre – Stellenbosch, Western Cape Province, South Africa

In 2013 the Foundation is committing support for a Youth Centre project at Stellenbosch in Western Cape Province, South Africa, which is part of the outreach of the Christian Brothers South Africa District. Stellenbosch is situated about 50km east of Cape Town and has a population of over 130,000. The population of Western Cape Province itself is around 5.8m of which around 56% is under 30 years of age. 56% of South Africa’s prison population is aged from 18 to 30. The Youth Centre project targets children and young people who come from households characterised by poverty, food insecurity and overcrowding.  Other societal issues that impact on such households include high school drop-out rates, crime, violence, substance abuse and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS. Foundation funding will enable the renovation of a dilapidated 1950s era building for Youth Centre programs including Edmund Rice Camps. A number of community organisations who work with youth at risk will also utilize the Centre. The opportunities for Edmund Rice Camp young adult volunteers to develop leadership skills will enable them to become agents of change in their communities.

Pictured: Edmund Rice Camp – Stellenbosch