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Cape Town, South Africa
In the township of Bonteheuwel, South Africa, violence and gang activity dominates daily life. The future can often seem bleak, especially for young men like Robert*, who grew up in this environment. Boys were either drawn into gang life or lived in constant fear of it. For two years, Robert’s parents kept him home to shield him from the gangs, fearing for his safety. But in doing so, they also feared the loss of his potential.
Robert heard about the iNtsika YeThemba project—translated as “Pillars of Hope”—through a local community leader. This initiative, a collaboration between Edmund Rice Foundation Australia (ERFA), Justice Desk Africa, and the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), offered young men like Robert an alternative path. The project’s mission is to support young men in defending women’s rights and creating safer communities, challenging the very roots of gender-based violence (GBV).
The iNtsika YeThemba program offered Robert a lifeline. Through regular education sessions and empowerment workshops, he began to rediscover himself. Robert learned about rights and responsibilities, and with this knowledge, he found a renewed sense of purpose and made a courageous decision to return to school. Robert embraced his role as a positive male role model. He became a pillar of hope for his family and his entire community. Now, at 17, Robert is nearing the completion of the iNtsika YeThemba program alongside many others.
Robert’s story is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together to support their youth, offering them the tools and guidance they need to lead profound and lasting change. Through the iNtsika YeThemba project, Robert has become precisely what the program’s name promises—a pillar of hope, standing firm against adversity, lighting the way for others to follow.
*Not their real name
The iNtsika YeThemba (Pillars of Hope) Project in South Africa is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program.
Robert represents hundreds of young people in South Africa whose lives can be transformed with the right support. Just Desk Africa meets them where they are and walks with them toward a future shaped by confidence, rights awareness, skills, and opportunity, strengthening an entire community.
