By Kefiloe Kajane
A youth organisation known as Footprints of Hope is determined to help young people and communities affected by HIV/AIDS.
In an interview with theReporter, Footprints of Hope founder and mentor Lintle Letsika says her organisation plays a big role in mentoring and bringing hope to the youth in preparation for a brighter future.
Founded in 2013, the organization closed shop due to lack of funding but reopened last year as part of assisting the youth to fight Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have a group of 10 to 18 year-olds who are being motivated and encouraged to have life skills. They are also sensitized against peer pressure while also being empowered in decision-making. In addition, they are trained in making crafts as part of beating unemployment,” she said.
Her organization conducts regular visits to the juveniles in an effort to create awareness against crime.
“We provide counseling and spa therapy. A group of young mothers is motivated to gain self-esteem to face the challenge of being young mothers,” she warned.
“Since August 2020 we have had a membership of 50 youngsters who are enrolled in our life skills mentorship programme,” she explained.
Letsika expressed regret that the Covid-19 situation and unemployment in communities has affected their intake.
The plan is to attract more youth in the future in order to turn the organization into a thriving entity that benefits the disadvantaged.
