Hope and resilience: Jarryd Smith's mission to support South African teens

Fish Hoek resident Jarryd Smith, founder of the non-profit 2ndChance, says South Africa’s young people are facing a crisis – but with the right support, their stories can be rewritten.

His organisation runs school programmes, workshops, and mentorship sessions that give teenagers practical tools to deal with peer pressure, bullying, addiction, and mental health struggles.

What began, Mr Smith says, as a dream “to remind every young person that no matter their past, their future is worth fighting for” has now reached more than 400 schools across South Africa, with programmes also running in Australia, Hawaii and Los Angeles.

But while the impact is growing, so too is the urgency.

“Teen suicide is the third leading cause of death among South African teens. Addiction, dropouts, bullying and even teenage pregnancy all feed into one another - but suicide is final,” he said.

“A dropout can return to school, someone struggling with drugs can recover, but suicide ends every other possibility. That’s why we focus so much on hope, purpose, and resilience.”

Mr Smith has seen firsthand how one moment of hope can change a life.

“I’ll never forget a 13-year-old boy who was addicted to drugs, involved in gangs, and came from a household filled with alcohol abuse. He had no sense of direction,” he said.

“Through our work, he began to deal with his trauma, learn how to make better choices, and figure out what he wanted for his life. Fast forward six years, and he is sober and studying to become a teacher.”

Another teen once told him there was no point in living.

He realised his past didn’t define his future. Today, he’s clean, studying, and volunteering in his community,” Mr Smith said.

2ndChance programmes are designed not just to motivate but to equip.

A typical day might involve workshops on bullying, peer pressure, or addiction, with practical steps for handling pressure and making better choices.

“By the end of a programme, pupils walk away with hope, tools, and a sense of community,” Mr Smith said.

Many parents, he added, feel helpless when their children face peer pressure or mental health struggles. His advice is simple: be present.

“The greatest gift you can give your child is your presence. Teens don’t always need you to fix everything; they need to know you’re available and safe to talk to without judgment,” he said.

Young people also wish adults understood the weight of pressure they live under.

“They often say, ‘I wish my parents were more understanding’ — not just in words but in actions. For them, the pain is real now. They want adults to take their mental health, their struggles, and their voices seriously,” Mr Smith said.

He is clear that businesses have a powerful role to play.

“The youth of today are tomorrow’s workforce, leaders, and innovators. Without intervention, South Africa risks losing an entire generation to hopelessness and destructive cycles. With intervention, we can build resilient young people who rise above circumstances and contribute positively to society and the economy,” he said.

He added that support does not always mean big budgets. It can be sponsoring transport for a school visit, helping with printing materials, or providing a meal for learners.

Businesses can offer internships or mentorship opportunities. Community members can volunteer time, share skills, or simply spread awareness.

"Small, consistent contributions add up to big change,” he said.

When asked about his vision for the next five years, Mr Smith said his focus was on reaching more students and empowering as many learners as possible.

He also hoped to establish a fully equipped Youth Centre for at-risk kids - a safe space where young people could come for mentorship, counselling, skills development and belonging.

Another key part of his vision was stronger backing from local communities, because, as he explained, transformation is multiplied when communities stand behind their youth.

Looking further ahead, he hoped to replicate the model internationally in countries facing similar challenges, creating a global network of 2ndChance programmes all carrying the same message of hope.

“Ultimately, the dream is this: that no young person - in South Africa or anywhere in the world - ever feels their story is over. They will know: there’s always a second chance.”

For more information, visit www.2nd-chance.co.za.