For many children and youths, the most dangerous moments are not dramatic—they are the quiet, unstructured hours.

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In informal settlements, parents often leave early and return late, working long hours just to survive. With no access to childcare or supervision, many young people are left on their own.

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And in that space, something always steps in.

 

If positive structure is absent, negative influence fills the gap.

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Gangs, older youths, and criminal networks offer belonging, income, and direction—making crime the most accessible pathway.

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Mentorship, structured activities, and safe spaces change this.

They provide:

• Guidance where there is none.

• Structure during high-risk hours.

• Belonging without criminal influence

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Through sports, art, and music, young people find identity, discipline, and community outside the streets. At YOLARA, this approach is already in action. Through initiatives like Green Park FC, young people who would otherwise be idle are engaged, mentored, and part of a team. Evenings that once exposed them to crime are now spent training, learning, and growing.

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