Youth Media Movement in Mitchell's Plain is speaking up

An exciting new initiative has sprung up in Mitchell's Plain. The Youth Media Movement is educating South African youngsters (typically between 16-18) in the ways of the media, aiming to demystify media and have communities play a role in shaping public opinion.

A good mix of media and life skills is already having an enormous positive effect on the lives of these children, whose daily reality is one of drugs and violence. It is keeping kids off the street after school hours and during holidays and equipping them with skills to start up their own businesses.

Mitchell’s Plain was built during the 1970s to provide housing for coloured victims of forced removal due to the implementation of the Group Areas Act. It houses about 1.5 million residents and comprises a number of sub-sections, which reflect the diverse class backgrounds of the population. Mitchell’s Plain is now one of fifteen areas identified as high priority for action against crime and drug abuse, renowned for its gangsterism and ‘tik’ addiction amongst its youth.

The Movement will implement long term training programs, production projects and media-related activities and events. It will serve as a resource and information centre for the community, establish connections between local young talents and the media industry and facilitate job opportunities. The production of the Mitchell’s Plain Talk Show “PLAIN TALK” was the first project implemented by the Youth Media Development Centre.

BKB Africa is a friend of the YMM and provides support and training.