MylifE is a registered NGO working with at‐risk youth and children in Cape Town, South Africa ‐ those living on the street without hope or support. MylifE’S team has worked within this sector for more than 13 years, gathering vital information on the social dynamics that drive these issues. MylifE was established in 2002, and since its inception has successfully healed over 300 youth, moving them from the city’s pavements into full‐time jobs, independence and a ‘normal’ life. It has given hope where there was none.
Context
The number of children and youth at risk in South Africa has reached pandemic proportions. Homelessness, poverty, drug addiction, gangsterism, HIV/Aids, lack of education and proper parenting, and a long list of severe abuses and neglect have placed South Africa’s future generation at grave risk. Adding to the situation, we have a staggering number of children and youth becoming orphans each and every day. The ‘cycle of self destruction’ these youth find themselves in, unless broken, will, according to the United Nations, lead to a 433% increase in the number of children living on the world’s streets in the next 10 years.
The majority of public and private programs aimed at curbing the crisis have either failed or had marginal success, primarily due to a lack of understanding and dealing with the root causes that create the problems in the first place. These programs also contain limited to no follow up and support structures.
South Africa has some of the highest levels of crime in the world; the high rate of violent crime is especially alarming. Crime is a symptom of poverty and hopelessness leading to a loss of humanity, and is the legacy of apartheid, an ineffective education system, and inadequate social services. The overwhelming majority of at risk youth are thrust into a life of crime, many becoming career criminals – a cycle that will continue to grow exponentially without intervention.
MylifE is one of South Africa’s success stories in healing and nurturing at risk children and youth, fostering an alternative outlook aimed at becoming self realized individuals and productive members of society. For the past 9 years MylifE has achieved this success through the integration of its proven and successful healing process, coupled with measured support, practical training & mentoring. MylifE removes the problem by replacing it with a proactive approach leading to restored humanity and the individual taking responsibility for heir own actions and lives. This is followed by the individuals “Paying-it‐Forward” to others entering the program – in the same way youth influences youth negatively. MylifE has shown that youth can teach youth positively. Today’s at risk youth are tomorrow’s healers and mentors.
