This intervention is grounded in developing and mentoring “safety ambassadors” at secondary school level. Learners between the ages of 13 and 18 years are empowered with skills, knowledge, experience and motivation to serve as positive role models who interact with and influence circles of youth, dissuading them from participating in anti-social behaviour and the commission of crime.

NICRO has created community initiatives that build, develop, train and promote equality with communities and with the youth. The programme was conceptualised against the backdrop of thousands of young people entering the criminal justice system as offenders, and the need to mitigate the growing incidence of juvenile crime within their environments.

“Communities everywhere are faced with violence on a daily basis. The increase in gangsterism and substance abuse is a key risk factor facing our youth today. Through the Safety Ambassador Programme the youth are encouraged to make positive decisions in their lives and to become role models within their schools and communities,” says NICRO CEO, Soraya Solomon.

Youth are instrumental in developing and making a difference in South Africa. “Crime, poverty, violence are but some of the issues that youth face on a daily basis. NICRO is just one beneficiary that is committed to making a meaningful impact on the youth and local communities. Programmes like those offered by NICRO help us highlight the importance of community building as well as the importance of supporting and empowering the youth in our country,” says FNB fund manager, Pearl Mphuthi.

Themes that are conveyed through the programme include increasing self esteem and confidence, understanding the consequences of crime, goal setting, conflict resolution, anger management, decision making and communication. NICROs’ main aim is to provide interventions that change offending behaviour in youth and adults.

Commenting on the programme, one of the Safety Ambassadors, said, “I would like to thank NICRO for the knowledge and help you have given me. Being part of the programme has changed a lot of things in my life and has helped with my level of decision making and has given me the knowledge to live with people in a respectful way.”

“The Safety Ambassador Programme has truly made a difference in the lives of the youth and communities. It’s great to see that our youth are using the programme as a platform to make a difference in the communities they live in,” concludes Mphuthi.