YJustice
Mission
Broadly speaking, the YJustice mission has two parts: to help people who have come into conflict with the law get their lives on track, and to assist those who risk coming into such conflict to avoid taking wrong turns in life. This is achieved through a combination of mentorship, skills development, and restorative justice practices. By fostering accountability and personal growth, YJustice empowers individuals to make positive choices and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Y-Justice Portfolio
- Transformative Masculinity Program – Equips young boys with tools to navigate society while challenging limiting gender norms and expectations.
- Life Skills Program – Teaches fundamental life skills to both girls and boys.
- Reintegration Program – Provides psychosocial support to ex-offenders and those reintegrating into society.
- Computer Literacy Program – Offers digital literacy training for youth and adults.
- Youth Council – A youth-led platform focused on driving change, innovation, and advocacy in communities.
Outline
The programme comprises a bi-weekly in-prison programme for youth offenders that we conduct at Pollsmoor Prison. We provide life skills training and information about important resources outside of prison such as drug rehabilitation facilities and shelters. We also have a resource centre and computer lab for at-risk youth geared toward imparting computer skills, assisting with CV writing, and helping with job search whenever possible.
Objectives
- To reduce the rate of recidivism amongst young ex-offenders.
- To help young ex-offenders successfully reintegrate into society so that they may live productive lives through training and job searching wherever possible.
- To provide computer training to people who have lacked such exposure in their lives.
- To help people with substance abuse problems to enter into and maintain recovery.
- To transform the lives of at-risk youth through educational and motivational intervention
Youth Justice Department Overview
The Transformative Masculinity Program and the Life Skills Program are comprehensive behaviour change initiatives designed to equip adolescents with essential skills for navigating life’s challenges. These programs focus on developing emotional intelligence, effective
communication, decision-making, and self-awareness while challenging harmful gender norms and fostering positive masculinity.
Both programs adopt an interactive approach that incorporates role-plays, group discussions, games, puzzles, and storytelling to engage participants deeply. They aim to empower young males by fostering a new value system rooted in equality, respect, and personal responsibility.
The programs work within school settings to create holistic environments that promote
sustainable behaviour change.
Transformative Masculinity Program
The Transformative Masculinity Program is designed to address the deep-seated cultural and societal norms that shape young men’s perceptions of masculinity. It encourages critical reflection on gender roles, violence, and power structures while providing practical strategies
for embracing a healthier, more equitable version of masculinity.
Objectives:
• Encourage young men to question and redefine traditional gender roles.
• Equip participants with communication and conflict-resolution skills.
• Reduce gender-based violence (GBV) through education and awareness.
• Promote emotional intelligence and self-reflection.
• Build leadership and decision-making capabilities.
• Foster a culture of positive masculinity and peer mentorship.
Core Topics Covered:
1. Understanding Masculinity – Examining traditional vs. transformative masculinity.
2. Gender Awareness & Stereotypes – Exploring the impact of gender norms on individuals and society.
3. Gender-Based Violence – Understanding the diverse types of violence and their effects on young people.
4. Healthy Relationships & Love – Identifying the characteristics of healthy vs. unhealthy relationships.
5. Decision-Making & Problem-Solving – Learning skills for responsible decision-making.
6. The Role of Male Role Models – Encouraging positive influence and mentorship.
7. The Bridge Model of Behaviour Change – Applying principles for personal and societal transformation.
Life Skills Program
The Life Skills Program is structured around core life competencies that enable young individuals to build resilience, foster self-esteem, and make informed choices.
Program Structure & Time Allocation:
The program consists of eight modules spread across 12 weeks, each focusing on a different aspect of life skills development.
Modules:
1. Introduction – Overview of the YMCA South Africa, alignment with Vision 2030, program goals, and expectation-setting.
2. Goal Setting – Understanding personal and group goal setting, with practical applications.
3. Leadership & Conflict Management – Exploring leadership styles, conflict resolution, and decision-making strategies.
4. Communication – Enhancing communication skills, active listening, and non-verbal communication techniques.
5. Self-Awareness – Developing emotional intelligence, personal values, and self- reflection skills.
6. Bullying – Understanding diverse types of bullying, their effects, and prevention strategies.
7. Stereotypes & Gender Awareness – Interactive discussions on identity, gender roles, and societal impacts of stereotypes.
8. Health & Well-Being – Addressing puberty, hygiene, mental health, teenage pregnancy, substance abuse, and sexual health.
Each module is delivered using participatory learning methods that ensure active engagement and real-life application of concepts.
Key Principles of Behaviour Change:
The program mirrors the five key Principles of Behaviour Change adapted from the U.S. National Academy of Sciences (NAS):
1. Providing Relevant Information: The program begins with foundational knowledge on self-awareness, goal setting, and societal challenges.
2. Focusing on Positive Messages: Rather than using fear-based tactics, the program emphasizes positive reinforcement and motivation.
3. Building Capability Through Repetition: By reinforcing skills through multiple sessions, participants gain confidence in their ability to make positive choices.
4. Offering a Range of Alternatives: Participants are taught critical thinking skills to navigate various life situations.
5. Creating an Enabling Environment: The program fosters a school-wide culture that supports behaviour change and personal growth.
Methodology:
• Interactive Learning: Activities include group discussions, storytelling, role-plays, and real-life scenario analysis.
• Peer Learning: Participants share experiences and mentor each other through facilitated discussions.
• Practical Application: Exercises encourage participants to apply skills in their daily lives.
• Long-Term Engagement: The program is designed to sustain behaviour change beyond the classroom setting.
Conclusion
The Transformative Masculinity Program and Life Skills Program work together to foster holistic personal development among young teenagers. By equipping them with essential life skills, emotional intelligence, and a redefined sense of masculinity, these programs help young teens become confident, responsible, and respectful members of their communities. Through continuous engagement and interactive learning, the programs aim to create a lasting impact on individuals and society.
Quick Links
Location
YMCA Cape Town is a community-focused organization located at: 15 Burham Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
As the oldest YMCA in Africa, we remain committed to youth empowerment, inclusion, and social impact.
Quick Links
Location
YMCA Cape Town is a community-focused organization located at: 15 Burham Rd, Observatory, Cape Town, 7925
As the oldest YMCA in Africa, we remain committed to youth empowerment, inclusion, and social impact.