GEORGE LIFESTYLE NEWS - In response to the ongoing youth violence in Thembalethu, a group of young married men have started a mentoring programme, Big Brother, to address gang violence in and outside the school.

Chairperson and founding member, Mvuyisi Ntoni, says their mission is to build character and a positive attitude through mentoring.

"Big Brother is an initiative designed to tackle the wrongs in our community, such as alcohol and drug abuse, which lead to youth violence. Most of our young men grow up without a father figure. This causes anguish, anger, disappointment, low self-esteem and resentment. Hence they take it out on anyone they find in their way," says Ntoni.

The programme will provide an ear to young men, and help them understand the nature of their problems and find a way forward. It is supported by a number of stakeholders, including the police, and is open to working with anyone who supports its vision. Big Brother Mentoring Programme is run at Imizamo Yethu Secondary School, where they meet every Monday, Wednesday and Friday after school. They use oral and literary means (debate, public speaking, poetry etc), Futsal (indoor soccer), dance, drama and logic games (puzzles, chess and draughts) to interact with the learners.

For more information contact Ntoni on 073 982 4032.

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