HUMANSDORP – An anti-drug community organisation has been established in Humansdorp in response to the growing substance abuse crisis affecting young people, families and businesses across Kouga and the wider Sarah Baartman District.
Touch Your Dream was founded in December 2025 and is led by community activist Carvin Jaars, who has more than 25 years’ experience in youth development and community outreach.
Jaars, a renal patient with chronic kidney failure at Life Renal Unit in Jeffreys Bay, has a deep desire to share his life experience.
“I was inspired to start this anti-drug group because of the massive impact of drug abuse calls I privately received from households in Kouga and Kou-Kamma, as well as conflict indicators from schools and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) involving children and youth in conflict with the law,” Jaars explained.
“Businesses are suffering because of substance abusers and employees struggling with addiction, and there is a serious lack of support and resources for people battling addiction.”
Touch Your Dream’s vision is taking possession of the community’s future. The organisation’s motto is to remain unique, humble, simple, and friendly; and its mission is to provide real help.
The organisation focuses on substance abuse prevention and support programmes through community outreach to addicts and those affected by loved ones in addiction.
The drug problem in Humansdorp has tripled since 2018,
and the backlog of drug-related cases has reached a dead end.
– Carvin Jaars
Jaars said the approach was not centred on condemning alcohol or drugs, but rather on showing communities that alternative ways of living are possible.
“Some people choose alcohol and drugs as a coping mechanism, while others choose alternative paths. There are other options, such as reviving dreams and visions, goals that have subsided and hopes that have died. That is why our programme is called Touch Your Dream.”
Touch Your Dream offers a range of activities and support initiatives, including: parents’ WhatsApp support groups for immediate assistance; addict and ex-offender support programmes such as Celebrate Recovery; community-based recovery initiatives; school holiday programmes; recreational and active learning activities; substance abuse awareness campaigns; rehabilitation support and referrals; and therapeutic restoration programmes.
The group currently consists of 16 members, including Jaars, with assistance from Lesa Schoeman and staff of the Oyster Bay Healing Clinic. Additional members include Ellioneace Lucas, Joabin Saffier, Gavin Didloft, Danelle Katra, Baxolele Buqa, Abigail Klaasen, Rozelle Bantom, Naqesa Rollison, John-Lee Janse, Shauné Bruiners, Celestie Sebia, Owen Hetjies, Rayzeen Janse, Rochelle Lessing and Allison Louwskitter.
According to Jaars, the state of drug abuse among young people in Humansdorp has worsened significantly over the past few years.
“The drug problem in Humansdorp has tripled since 2018, and the backlog of drug-related cases has reached a dead end,” said Jaars.
“Rehabilitation waiting lists run until 2027 or 2028, and people approach me daily when they cannot find help through government entities. The substance abuse situation in Kouga and the Sarah Baartman District is devastating. It is an epidemic.”
Jaars further said that children were becoming involved in drugs at increasingly younger ages.
“We are currently dealing with a case where a mother’s son is 10 years old and has been struggling with drugs since the age of eight. She has been trying to get help for two years,” said Jaars.
He believes the situation has contributed to a broader decline in safety and moral values in the region.
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One of the organisation’s core strategies is building relationships with stakeholders, sectors, entities and communities to ensure meaningful and sustainable assistance.
Jaars said that as part of their approach, they do not promise more than they can deliver. He added that the organisation never condemned those seeking assistance, and remained approachable at all times.
Despite their commitment to assisting those in need, Jaars said the organisation faced significant challenges, including a lack of resources. They currently have no transport to reach farm properties or other towns to run therapeutic restoration programmes.
Jaars further confirmed that long rehabilitation waiting lists and the high cost of treatment leave many community members without access to help.
He also emphasised the urgent need for a safe house or restoration property in Humansdorp, as well as administrative equipment, sporting and recreational tools, and access to a fixed venue in Kouga. Looking ahead, Jaars hopes to expand the project beyond Humansdorp.
“My goal is to produce a documentary on this project, grow it into other communities in the Sarah Baartman District, establish a substance abuse division within municipalities, and eventually subcontract our project to the government to steer substance abuse awareness countrywide,” said Jaars.
He has also called on local businesses to support the initiative.
For meetings, assistance or collaboration, the group can be contacted via Die Humansdorpse Landbou Korporasie Social Employment Fund (SEF) programme and Humansdorp Correctional Services, which are community partners of the project.
“We are deeply grateful and will always be indebted to the Die Humansdorpse Landbou Korporasie SEF and Humansdorp Correctional Services. They are truly our stepping stones towards a greater vision to support our communities,” said Jaars.
For more information, contact Jaars on 071 216 4069 or send email to Carvinjaars063@gmail.com or Touchyourdream81@gmail.com.
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