Youth Conflict Resolution Training in South African Urban Slums: Impact on Delinquency and Community Support Structures

Youth delinquency in South African urban slums remains a significant public health issue. Community support structures are often underdeveloped and insufficiently equipped to address these challenges. A mixed-methods approach was employed, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews with local authorities to assess programme impact over a one-year period. The survey revealed a statistically significant reduction in reported delinquency rates among participants (p < 0.05) compared to baseline data from the same slums. Youth conflict resolution training programmes show promise in improving both individual behavioural outcomes and community support structures, though further research is needed for comprehensive evaluation. Communities should consider integrating such training into their existing youth development initiatives and policymakers should prioritise funding for similar programmes.