Neighbourhood watch transforms youth

A GROUP of young people is making their community proud and safe through their participation in patrolling the neighbourhoods of Walvis Bay.

The youth, some of whom were previously involved in criminal activities including drug abuse, have contributed to the decline of crime through becoming part of a neighbourhood watch committee.

The Narraville neighbourhood watch was established in 2020 by community member Ryan Gordon after he realised that the neighbourhood was not safe.

“Someone broke into our house. My son, my father and I chased him and were joined by a friend and we caught him. We then realised the need for us to start a group that would patrol in our area. More people joined us, and we scored so many successes.

“The community feels safe now because burglaries in Narraville decreased sharply after we started,” he said.

The group has now grown to 30 people, with the majority of them being young people.

“We are excited about the young people. Most of them were involved in criminal activities, especially drug abuse. We managed to apprehend them and use that chance to talk to them. They ended up joining us and they are making a huge difference, while protecting others,” said Gordon.

The group now works with security forces at the town in night patrols, roadblocks, and anti-drug operations. The group has also extended its services to the other suburbs in Walvis Bay.

Gordon said the group supports the youth in the group, through finding employment and training opportunities, so that they can feel needed and not go back to social evils.

“We motivate them and look for jobs and training opportunities where we can. Some have already got training in things like first aid and fire fighting, among others. They help people who are injured on the street or involved in accidents, while waiting for an ambulance.

“This is our next generation that will take over. We have laid the foundation for them and now want to give them the opportunity to continue,” he said.

The youthful members of the group say they are proud to protect their neighbourhoods. “I started abusing drugs in 2012 when I was 14 years old. I was suspended from school in Grade 10 and eventually lost my education. I grew up in a church set up, but ended up disappointing my parents and stealing from them.

“I was asked one day to join the neighbourhood watch. I saw they were making a difference and I decided to work with them. I want to help them to change the behaviours of my fellow youth and protect our neighbourhood,” said 20-year-old Lorenzo Pietersen.

“I started abusing drugs at the age of 17 when I was in Grade 10. I joined the neighbourhood watch early this year. It made me see things from a different perspective. I am proud to have changed and to make a difference,” said 20-year-old Breyton Krohne.

Gordon urged community members to support the group’s youth through any opportunities that become available, so that they can stay on track.

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