FNB assists NICRO in empowering the youth

Central to FNB’s vision of helping to create a better world, lies a deep understanding of supporting and strengthening community initiatives that build social cohesion and promote equality within communities. One such beneficiary is NICRO (National Institute for Crime Prevention and the reintegration of Offenders), which provides services to adults and children in conflict with the law.

Under the banner and guidance of NICRO, the FNB Fund has supported the Safety Ambassadors programme in selected schools nationally. The programme was conceptualised against the backdrop of thousands of young people entering the criminal justice system as offenders, and the need to mitigate the growing incidence of juvenile crime within their environments.

This intervention is grounded in developing and mentoring “safety ambassadors” at secondary school level. Learners between the ages of 13 – 18 years are empowered with prerequisite skills, knowledge, experience and motivation to serve as positive role models who interact with and influence circles of youth, dissuading them from participating in anti-social behaviour and the commission of crime.

“FNB identifies and supports beneficiaries like NICRO who have committed to making a meaningful impact in local communities and the youth. Programmes like NICRO help us highlight the importance of community building as well as the support and education of our youth in our country. With organisations like these we are able to make a difference in lives of individuals and the community they live in,” says Howard Arrand, chairperson, FNB Fund.

“It is essential that youth be assisted in acquiring and developing a personal skills set that will arm them against the impact of their negative social environment and also offers them protection to withstand the temptations that they face on a daily basis. Without this, academic education cannot flourish,” says Ms. Soraya Solomon CEO NICRO.

NICROs main aim is to provide interventions that aim to change offending behaviour in youth and adults. NICRO’s services are categorised into Diversion for Youth and Adults, Offender Reintegration and Non Custodial Sentencing.

“Such good service and dedication often goes unnoticed. NICRO has truly set a long standing benchmark in helping young offenders and the youth to get their life back and at the same time ensure that the behavioural change is positive and long lasting. Youth are the future of this country and NICRO are moulding our young talent to become responsible and loyal leaders,” concludes Arrand.

Established in 1910 as the South African Prisoners’ Aid Association (SPAA), NICRO has introduced several revolutionary and innovative aspects to South African legislation dealing with crime and sentencing such as probation services, pre- and post trial community service, diversion and the concept of restorative justice. NICRO has offices in eight provinces, rendering services from more than 43 accessible service points throughout South Africa.