Ricardo Pillay: a voice for change in youth empowerment

HAVING grown up in a community plagued with drug, alcohol abuse and gender-based violence, equipped Ricardo Pillay to empower other youth. 

Pillay, 31, of Phoenix, said his journey to uplift the lives of the youth started about 17 years ago. 

“I was about 14 years old and in Grade 8 when I was elected as the class Representative Council of Learners (RCL) representative and the junior deputy chairperson for the school’s youth desk. From there, I realised that I had the power to be a voice for the youth, who were not able to speak up for themselves.”

Pillay, who is a holistic teacher at a secondary school in Phoenix, said he initially joined the local council office as the youth coordinator for ward 50. 

“After I completed matric in 2011, I knew that helping the youth was something I wanted to continue doing. Throughout my life, I had my own challenges. With drugs and alcohol being so accessible, I could have easily gone astray, but my mind was strong. I also grew up in a home with just my grandmother, who worked hard to raise me and ensure I stayed on the right path. I knew I wanted to make her and myself proud. 

“Growing up I also used to hear people talk about ‘how bad the youth are’, but they only complained and never tried to do anything to help the youth. I realised complaining would not make a change. You had to take action. So, as the youth coordinator I was involved in various school, sport and recreation programmes in the community. I empowered the youth through these programmes and showed them that they could do anything they wanted to do, if they put their minds to it,” he said.

Pillay, who is the chairperson of the Phoenix SAPS and CPF Youth Forum, said they also hosted talks at schools about the challenges experienced by youth, including drug abuse, teenage pregnancy and youth counselling. 

“I also facilitate education programmes such as lessons in the different subjects and exam preparation. However in situations where we are not able to or equipped to deal with, we work with various stakeholders such as the Phoenix Child Welfare. We can never turn away from helping the youth, as they will find comfort elsewhere, and in some instances can be drug or alcohol consumption leading to more pain in the long-run.

“Through the forum, we try to create a circle of trust where the youth don't have to fear judgement, but only feel loved and cared for, which some don’t have at home. It is about creating a safe space,” he said. 

Pillay said his future goal was to ensure that the youth had a bright future.  

“I aim to inspire the youth, provide a platform for them to aim for greater heights, and enable them to give back to the future generations.”

He added that his message to the youth was “be the difference and change you want to see in your community”. 

“The youth are the future leaders and change-makers. They have the power to shape their own destiny and create a better world for themselves and others. They must also believe in themselves and their abilities, because they are capable of achieving greatness. In addition, the youth should not be afraid to stand up for what they believe in and fight for justice, equality, and human rights.”

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