Planet Youth launch: Helping communities raise healthier, happier teens
Planet Youth is a programme that empowers communities to work together in supporting young people to make positive life choices and build bright futures by creating safer and healthier environments.
The Western Cape Government officially launched the Planet Youth initiative at Mondale High School in Mitchells Plain on Thursday, 24 July 2025, taking a fundamental step towards building healthier, safer, and more supportive environments for our young people. The launch took the form of an open and interactive dialogue with families, caregivers, teachers and changemakers of Mitchells Plain to work together to support young people growing up in the area.
Inspired by the enduring words of Nelson Mandela, “Our children are our greatest treasure. They are our future.” This initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive. Too many of our youth grow up in challenging and unstable environments, often exposed to daily hardship that undermines both their physical and mental well-being. Planet Youth respond to this reality by focusing on youth development, well-being, and community resilience.
“Each of us has a role to play in building communities that are not only healthier, but also safer and more resilient. A vital part of this is empowering our children, parents, and communities with the mental health tools they need to cope, connect, and grow. Ultimately, we want our children to thrive at school, at work, and in life. That’s why initiatives like Planet Youth matter so deeply. This evidence-based model is a powerful vehicle for change, bringing communities together to prevent harm, promote wellbeing, and support young people to make healthy choices and live lives they truly value,” says Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger.
Developed in Iceland and now used in over 19 countries, Planet Youth is an internationally recognised, evidence-based prevention model. It uses local data to support communities in creating environments where young people can flourish. The Western Cape is proud to join this global movement, tailored for local impact. The initiative brings together multiple Western Cape Government departments, such as Health and Wellness, Education, Social Development, Cultural Affairs and Sport, in partnership with research institutions such as the University of Cape Town, municipalities, law enforcement agencies and local organisations. Together, they are working with schools and communities to promote open dialogue, strengthen protective factors, and deliver targeted, evidence-driven interventions.
In April and May 2025, surveys were conducted among all Grade 8 and 9 learners in high schools across Mitchells Plain and other high-crime areas in the Metro: Atlantis, Athlone, Langa, Philippi, Gugulethu, Hanover Park, Kraaifontein, and Nyanga. Grade 8 and 9 learners in the West Coast and Garden Route districts were also surveyed. These communities have been part of the Western Cape’s area-based approach to enhancing safety since August 2023, where government and communities have been able to coordinate interventions to bring positive change.
Excitingly, this project is being implemented across the province. In total, more than 50,000 learners from 123 schools participated in the Planet Youth survey. Results will be available in August 2025 and will guide locally led action plans to address youth risks and enhance well-being.
Gwen Dereymaeker, Director of the Western Cape Government’s Violence Prevention Unit, explains, “The aim is not to single out individual children, but to empower entire communities with meaningful data. This allows for co-designed solutions that build resilience, reduce risk, and strengthen support networks for young people. It’s about listening to their realities and acting together.
Planet Youth was first piloted in George in 2023 and is now being scaled across the province. The initiative places youth voices at the heart of change, ensuring that their experiences guide real, sustainable interventions.
Premier Alan Winde gave his full backing to the Planet Youth initiative, “By investing in the well-being of our youth through a coordinated, data-led approach, we can create safer, healthier and more prosperous communities for generations to come. This is more than a programme, it is a call to action for parents, educators, leaders, and community members to work with our youth in preparing them for their future. If we offer them the skills and knowledge they need to get jobs, we can future-proof our province and economy.”
