Pupils from Proteus Secondary are now equipped with the necessary skills to become positive role models to their peers.
The 43 pupils selected by Nicro to participate in its safety ambassadors programme, recently graduated after completing their two-year programme.
“The programme aims to develop and enhance the moral decision-making ability of the youth and to achieve therapeutic goals through educational means, thus altering the way young people behave by changing the way they think,” explains project coordinator, Jamilla de Jongh.
Central to the programme is the concept that exposing young people to three linked modules, or sets of activities that are geared towards building capacity, clarifying values and value systems and developing and implementing practical projects and activities will result in positive behaviour growth and enhanced social and moral functioning.
De Jongh adds: “The concept of utilising peers to develop a sustainable peer support structure in schools and ultimately within communities is fundamental to the programme’s success.”
The overall goal of the crime prevention initiative is to reduce the risk factors, while at the same time strengthening protective factors or the resilience of at-risk youth, in order to reduce and prevent anti-social behaviour, victimisation, crime and violence at participating schools and, ultimately, within the whole community.
