Conquest For Life (CFL) is an NGO that was established in 1995 in Westbury by a group of young people to initiate innovative approaches to the complex problems facing their community — believing the youth of today are central to the solution.
CFL started in a dynamic, predominantly coloured community, which is characterised by an unemployment rate of more than 80%, a high school drop-out rate, extreme family stress, poverty, limited recreational facilities, and substance abuse — a reflection of most of the townships in South Africa.
The severe lack of extra-curricular and recreational activities means that children and young people spend a lot of time loafing on the streets or sitting in crammed flats.
CFL aimed to do something different in the community, something that was not linked to any political organisation or any church; something independent but that would help the whole community and, in so doing, make a difference in the lives of family and friends. CFL aims to empower the youth through programmes designed to produce a safe and structured environment in which they can realise their potential and access life skills needed to enrich their lives.
The NGO’s target group includes unemployed, out of school youth, youth in conflict with the law, parents and people in the community interested in mentoring. The organisation has expanded its Westbury facilities by opening four new branches in other disadvantaged communities of Soweto, Ennerdale, Orange Farm and Platfontein in the Northern Cape.