Youth Zone Legacy Network

Youth Zones are established in disadvantaged communities, and are twinned in cross-cultural learning partnerships. Each Youth Zone has a senior football team with all senior players expected to be coaches or volunteers. Organisers say gender equity is imperative throughout the programme and 50/50 split of boys’ and girls' participation is being pursued. The football focus works to build the capacity of grassroots teams and support them with football equipment, coaching and organisational growth.

The initiative's computer literacy/ information technology (IT) component is designed to teach youth how to use a computer and provide Youth Zone members with internet access so they can have all the educational benefits of the internet, often in areas where there are no libraries or access to information. The life skills component focuses on building skills to help make individuals more successful in life, such as good communication, conflict resolution, teamwork, responsibility, healthy behaviour and leadership.

In addition, each community is encouraged to launch three "organic" projects with their own initiative. Organisers say some of these projects include netball, cultural initiatives, HIV/AIDS programmes, a gymnasium, English training, and entrepreneurship. The goal of these projects is to create an enabling environment where youths have the self-belief and confidence to take risks and be creative.

Organisers say once real-life friendships have been established and computer literacy is in place, the focus shifts to a virtual community, where besides Skype, Facebook, and email, participants interact via the Youth Zone website. Here they are encouraged to blog, upload photos, chat and share their stories and experiences.

Youth and sport