By Nakampe Lekwadu
Since its establishment in 2017, Youth on the Move has emerged as a beacon of hope for vulnerable young people, working tirelessly to uplift communities and restore dignity to those in need.
The organisation has made a significant impact through regular school visits, where its dedicated team conducts awareness sessions focusing on pressing social challenges affecting young people today. These include substance abuse, sexual abuse, mental health struggles, gender-based violence (GBV), and bullying.
What sets Youth on the Move apart is its commitment to holistic support. The organisation does not only educate learners about social ills but also steps in to assist victims and their families.
After identifying vulnerable cases, the team conducts assessments to understand the specific needs of each household. Where necessary, they provide food parcels, school uniforms, clothing, and shoes — ensuring that children can return to school with dignity and confidence.
“Our mission has always been to restore hope and empower young people to overcome their circumstances,” said a representative from the organisation. “We believe that awareness must be coupled with action.”
A key contributor to the organisation’s growth has been its partnership with stakeholders, particularly the Capricorn District. Through this collaboration, Youth on the Move has been able to offer learnership opportunities with stipends to its team members.
Currently, more than five employees are benefiting from these learnerships, which not only enhance their skills but also create sustainable employment opportunities within the community.
The partnership has further enabled the organisation to expand its reach to more schools, amplifying its message and extending support to a wider network of learners.
While proud of the progress made over the past nine years, Youth on the Move believes there is still much work to be done. The organisation is appealing to private companies and government departments to come on board and support its mission.
By strengthening partnerships and increasing resources, the organisation hopes to reach more schools, assist more families, and create even greater impact.
As communities continue to grapple with social challenges affecting young people, initiatives like Youth on the Move serve as a reminder that collective action can transform lives — one learner, one family, and one community at a time.
