It should be the long term goal of society to increase opportunities and hope for all young people irrespective of income group, race or geographic location.

South Africa's youth are exposed high levels of crime and violence in their homes, communities and schools. They are also at risk of drug and alcohol dependence.  Involvement in this area of intervention will assist in promoting the potential of our youth in building a better South Africa.  All of us can contribute to building the resilience of the country's youth and unleashing the creativity and enthusiasm of young South Africans to take back our future.

BIG IDEA 1: "Y ZONE" - A place which allows for the provision of co-ordinated and exciting after school/weekend and holiday activities and training programmes for young people between the ages of seven and 18.

BIG IDEA 2: FIX IT!  A social movement/advocacy programme for functional schools

South African youth are disproportionately both the victims and perpetrators of crime. The National Youth Victimisation Survey conducted by the Centre for Justice and Crime Prevention during 2005 revealed that youth between the ages of 12-22 are twice as likely to be the victims of crime, when compared to adults, and are twice as likely to commit crime - when compared to adults. More than 50% of South Africa's population is under the age of 25, suggesting that a very significant proportion of our population is at risk of being victimised at key stages in their development and socialisation.

In addition:

• Almost half of the 4 409 respondents to the National Youth Victimisation Survey (49.2%) reported that they were personally acquainted with individuals in their immediate neighbourhoods who had committed criminal acts like theft, selling stolen property and mugging.
• A quarter of these respondents (28.8%) indicated that they were also familiar with people in their communities who made a living from crime.
• One in ten of the survey sample reported that they knew a member of their own family who had engaged in activities that could put them in trouble with the law.
• One in five respondents willingly reported that they had contemplated committing a criminal act while half of these respondents admitted to having committed a crime.

Thus, crime has, in a way, become "normalised" and a great deal of sustained effort from various sectors is required to reverse the situation.