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The fact that the youth are with their friends in these spaces may link to something more than just having something to do, to keep them busy. A link can be drawn between the youth looking for a space for that they can lay claim and that of the issue of their identity as expressed earlier in this document. The youth are looking to their peers, and others, to find where they fit in society but as it was anticipated this is not something that was expressed from the youth’s perspective. It was rather based on an understanding of the research involving their behavioural patterns and observing this element playing out as they spoke about their presence and activities on the ‘streets’.
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“If Kokstad had a mall or a place where they could all go and hangout; a place to either go watch a movie or eat out ,other than just a spur, that would definitely attract a lot of youth in Kokstad. She also thinks a few more clothing stores would be awesome so they have some more choices.” – Interview 9, 2015
As much as there was a strong desire among the youth for active spaces, to have fun with friends, there was equally as much of a desire for social spaces. These are passive spaces which allow the youth to ‘hangout’ or ‘chill’ with their friends and it is these spaces which represent the idea of the ‘streets’ best; as an environment for the youth to test and define their own identity. There most overwhelming response from the youth was a desire for some sort of movie house or cinema space but there was a strong desire for outdoor spaces, with trees and benches for them to relax. Caution was, however, raised by some of the youth because Kokstad can get very cold in winters so they need indoor spaces to ‘chill’ as well when the weather is bad. Another idea was informed by that of a youth center (for the older youth who are beginning to think about their future) where the youth can spend time in but, at the same time, be educated about future possibilities and taught different skills to further themselves.
“For the older guys it would be nice if they had a way to promote themselves or to promote Kokstad, something similar to a place where they can learn skills or have help in terms of tertiary education.” – Interview 7, 2015
5.4.3 Community connections
There is very little to go in in reference to a desire for connections to the local community however one of the youth did note that part of the reason the ‘street’ spaces are enjoyable is because you get to meet people, and by that it was understood that this referred to both new people and friends, young people and old. Kokstad is small and the majority of people are friendly. During observations this was also noted as well as a reference to an old youth
‘hangout’ space that a group of people started. This space was designed to entertain the youth but it didn’t last very long because the youth eventually lost interest and stopped coming. It could be possible that the youth lost interest because they were looking for something more than just a place to be entertained. Malone (2002) made mention to the fact that youth-
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specific spaces tend to sometimes be unsuccessful because, often, they do not provide a vital connection to the community for the youth…
“…who do not want to be excluded or be invisible in the everyday life of their cities (Malone, 2002).”
But in reality, there could have been a number of other factors which caused this.
5.4.4 Safety and feelings of comfort
Issues of safety and comfort are quite significant for the youth, especially the younger ones.
The ‘streets’ are a space for them to get out but a lot of them still enjoy the home environment because of its familiarity and comfort. When they are out in the ‘streets’ they tend to try and avoid the areas they are unfamiliar with or areas they feel are dangerous.
“She does not like the fact that one of the places where a lot of people like to hang out (in Rolyats) has a liquor store next to it and they sometimes have to deal with drunken men flirting with them.” – Interview 1, 2015
5.4.5 Access to current youth trends
Lastly, but certainly not least, is the desire to have access to current youth trends. As earlier noted, the youth are very aware of these trends and what other youths have access to. This is partly through the various social media platforms, which have become an important part of their lives, and it has lead them to a very well defined idea of what they want to see here in Kokstad. They have a desire to conform in the sense that they want to have equal access to what the youth in other places have.
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