Pray for the youth of Beauford West

The young people living in Beauford West (about 5 hours north of Cape Town) have been identified ‘high-risk’ as potential victims of human trafficking. It is a community situated in a high transit area, where trucks regularly pass through. There is little economic development in town, high rates of unemployment, and significant cases of domestic abuse. As we spent time with these bright, smart young people at a camp several weeks ago they allowed us into their thoughts, their hopes and dreams.

As school levers, much of the focus was on future plans and careers. Most expressed hopes of going to university, pursuing a profession, of travelling, and owning their own cars and homes. Others made simple requests, such as a having safe place to live, and to be able to compete high-school. “When I was 12, my uncle tried to rape me”, one girl tells me, “He went away for a long time after that, but now he is back, and I don’t know where I can live. I really just want to finish high school so I can go to university and make something of myself”. For these young people, these simple dreams are not easy to attain, largely due to lack of resource and support.

Many of the children live in homes where there is abuse and violence, often forcing them to leave school in order to find a safer place to live. There is no university in Beauford West and few families have the financial means to send their children to universities in the bigger cities. Unemployment is high, meaning not only is it difficult for their families to earn an income to support them, but even well educated school-leavers struggle to find work.

These young people have much potential and initiative; they have grasped the concept that their lives have purpose. Sadly, their eagerness to make something of themselves and to grasp opportunities out of their small town makes them extremely susceptible to become victims of human trafficking.

Please pray for the young people of Beauford West. Pray for their safety, for them to be supported, nurtured and cared for in their own homes. Pray for provision for them to study, to be well-educated and to break the cycle of poverty in this community. Pray for the message that they are unique, valuable and created with purpose to really sink into their hearts. Pray that their dreams will be realised. Pray for us as a ministry as we prepare workshops for 3 more of these camps this year.