Empowering Our Youth: Breedekloof Takes Action

On June 14, 2024, Fairtrade Africa and Du Toitskloof Fairtrade Initiative (DTK Fairtrade Initiative) joined forces to host a pivotal Youth Day meeting. The aim was to confront the pressing challenges afflicting the youth of our Breedekloof community.

DTK Fairtrade Initiative and Fairtrade Africa is dedicated to fostering sustainable development and fair labour practices, this cooperative project strives to uplift vineyard and cellar workers and their families. Their initiatives extend beyond economic empowerment to encompass education, healthcare, environmental responsibility, and community welfare, with a particular emphasis on our youth.

However, despite these efforts, Rawsonville (and the greater Breedekloof Valley) is not without its challenges. Our community grapples with rising rates of substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, and gender-based violence among its youth. These issues manifest in behavioural disruptions, educational setbacks, and social instability.

To confront our youth’s pressing concerns, Fairtrade Africa and the DTK Fairtrade Initiative recently organised a crucial gathering. This meeting brought together diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, local citizens, NPOs and community leaders, in an effort to find collaborative solutions to the issues we face. The primary goal was to introduce existing interventions, exchange success stories and to pool our resources together.

At the heart of the discussions were presentations from various organisations actively engaged in the Rawsonville community. From FAMSA and Badisa to the 2Blossom Foundation, government officials and local citizens attended this meeting. Each entity showcased their ongoing projects and shared valuable insights from their work. This sharing of experiences not only highlighted the breadth of existing efforts, but also underscored the importance of coordination and synergy among stakeholders.

Moving forward, the focus remains on leveraging collective expertise and resources to empower and care for our youth. By fostering partnerships and amplifying community-driven initiatives, the community aims to create sustainable pathways for positive change. Together with our local stakeholders, DTK Fairtrade Initiative and Fairtrade Africa are committed to nurturing a supportive environment where young people can thrive, free from the shadows of substance abuse, teenage pregnancies, and violence.

The journey ahead will be guided by the shared vision of a brighter future for Rawsonville's youth. Through collaborative efforts and a commitment to social responsibility, progress is not just a possibility but a promise we want to fulfil.