JUVENILE REHABILITATION AND TRAINING PROJECT (JURETRA) is a Cape Town based organization, which assists with the problem of children and youths who find themselves in trouble with the law and those who are at risk.

JURETRA works hand in hand with schools and appeal to the community to participate in their programs and workshops. There is a range of skills being offered inter alia Communication skills, Computer Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Anti Gangsterism (Crime Prevention) and Sport Recreation Skills.

Parents are welcome to attend the workshops at anytime. Currently the facilitators are running an "aftercare" program for those youths who are alone at home until their parents arrive from work. Here learners are assisted with homework and kept active with sports activities.

According to programme-convenor, Khungeka Nkonzo, "many young people just need someone to care for them. Moreover, ... people do make mistakes, and hence we accept and help young offenders to rehabilitate into mainstream society. Although many of them are stigmatized because of their previous convictions, many of them are keen to turn over a new leaf, he said."

During the school holidays, a holiday programme will be coordinated with the support of Metro North Area and surrounding community based organisations.

The success stories of JURETRA are overwhelming, as some of the "problem" youth whom principals referred to JURETRA, represents there last hope.

Here are selected thoughts from the youths Cape Flats News spoke to ...

Shavanna Jackson, 20-year-old single mom from Bonteheuwel, says she use to sit at home unemployed and decided to attend classes at JURETRA. "I learned a lot about myself and how to be a better mother to my baby. My mom is my biggest inspiration and I want to show her I can be a good inspiration to my baby".

Chritian Brandt, 31-year-old entrepreneur from Bonteheuwel, says he is unemployed and was afraid to lose focus on life so he too joined JURETRA. "I heard about the entrepreneur skills they offer, in return I learnt I much more".

JURETRA wish to thank the following people for the unselfish support; Rushine February (Manager Thusong Centre - Bonteheuwel, LABON Foundation, Councilor Theresa Thompson, Mirriam McKrieling (auxiliary social worker) at Thusong Centre.

JURETRA together with Inner Circle Youth Empowerment Trust is currently running a free programme to all the school dropouts from grade 9 to grade 12 and from 16 to 25 years old, where they offer the following subjects: Communication skills, Computer Literacy, Entrepreneurship, Anti Gangsterism (Crime Prevention) and Sport Recreation Skills.

Note, this programme is free of charge at the Thusong Centre Bonteheuwel.