Men on a youth ‘rescue’ mission
'I hope to help inspire the youth... to show them that their circumstances do not dictate or determine their futures'
EQUIPPING young boys to realise their talents, passions and true potential, three local men have taken on the task of developing the youth of Richards Bay through interactive life skills sessions, team building activities, outdoor adventures and sport.
Hailing from different backgrounds, Karl Dunn, Chace Lucas and Kwai Mpungose have set their sights on changing the lives of the next generation, even if it is just one youth at a time.
Launching the Breaking Barriers boys teen sessions last month, youngsters from the age of nine to 18 made a decision to become agents of change, work towards a brighter future and making a difference in their homes and communities.
The group sessions take place at the Aquadene Community Library on the second Saturday of every month at 9.30am.
For the first excursion, the boys will be participating in Child Protection Week activities hosted by the Richards Bay Magistrate’s Court on 27 May.
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Dunn, a seasoned mechanic, says he wants to encourage youngsters to use their gifts and talents and to make good life choices.
He hopes to bring about awareness of the dangers and social ills plaguing our communities.
He is a firm believer that it is never to late to make a change and to turn a negative situation into a positive one.
Excited about the new project, 25-year-old Lucas, a sports management graduate and high school sport coach, is ready to get the youngsters involved in sport.
‘I am passionate about sport and youth development and enjoy working with the young ones.
‘I grew up in an environment where most people just follow the norms, but I have always had big dreams and aspirations to be different, while still remaining true to my roots.
‘I hope to help inspire the youth from underprivileged areas to pursue their dreams in the most humble and respectful ways possible, and to show them that their circumstances do not dictate or determine their futures.
‘Children need to realise that you can become anything you want to be, no matter how crazy or far fetched their dreams may appear.
‘With the right people guiding them, they can achieve anything and do not have to be dragged into the negative and destructive lifestyles they constantly witness.’
Lucas is in the process of establishing a sports academy and has big plans for sport development in Richards Bay.
Meanwhile, Mpungose (23), a local fireman, events organiser and up-and-coming musician, aspires to unearth leaders and society’s game changers.
‘I joined the team to help mentor and see these young children grow to their full potential and I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to my community,’ said Mpungose.
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