Youth employment to deter youth violence in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Ga. (CBS46) – Town of Atlanta is promising youth employment to hundreds as a technique in opposition to youth violence.

Mayor Andre Dickens made the initiative official throughout a Friday ‘signing day.’

“These are our youngsters, it’s our accountability,” crime prevention advocate Bruce Griggs instructed CBS46. He’s annoyed with the most recent crime knowledge.

By the top of April, Atlanta Police made no less than 180 arrests involving teenagers, in accordance with information offered by the company.

After studying of 1 too most of the crime scenes this 12 months, Griggs fears what town may appear like come summer season.

“I really feel,” he paused. “As a result of I’ve been doing this violence prevention work for fairly some time, [I feel] that we’re going to have one of the vital harmful summers.”

Group advocates have applauded ongoing efforts, like town’s new midnight basketball league, to achieve youth earlier than the gangs attain them. However Griggs says it would require greater than the sports activities.

It’s why Mayor Dickens says Atlanta will companion with companies to make use of 3000 youths between ages 14 to 24, for June and July.

Dickens held a ‘signing day’ occasion for this pledge Friday morning.

“Earn cash, develop essential considering expertise, and partake in significant work experiences that they will construct on to set the stage for future success,” the mayor defined.

Town would help the companies that turn out to be worksites for this system. The wage could be no less than $12 per hour for 20 hours or extra, weekly. It could additionally embody choices for commerce certifications and internships.

Dickens added, “Atlanta wants this and our youth wants this to maneuver our metropolis ahead.”

Griggs believes whereas the roles are a begin, activists like him are essential to educating children, now greater than ever, battle decision.

“We’ve acquired to cope with that habits. We’ve acquired to alter their beliefs. We’ve acquired to cope with their values earlier than they go to work, we acquired to try this.”

Click on right here if you happen to’re trying to be an worker or an employer as a part of this system.

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