Conquest For Life started in October 1995. A group of young people wanted to do something different in the community, something that is not linked to any political organisation or any church; something independent but at the same time help the whole community. They wanted to change the whole social environment and re-vitalise their community (read about Westbury). They thought the best thing to do was to focus on the kids and the young people.

“A lot of people think that young people are the leaders of tomorrow. We don’t believe that. We believe that young people are the leaders of today.”

Glen Steyn

Director CFL

Combining their efforts, this group initiated innovative approaches to complex problems facing their community. Their activities included outreach to schools (including placing members of the community in primary and high schools in response to the school crisis) and running a range of after-school activities. Through these activities, this group achieved a strong impact on the lives of their friends, families, neighbours and community members.

Humble beginnings

Community links were strengthened and validated by a community survey (April 1997). The survey secured grassroots participation in identifying problems, decision-making and project design. The results of the survey illustrated that Conquest For Life had gained the respect and encouragement of the community, which provided the impetus to roll out activities such as youth at risk camps, youth enrichment work and facilitating peace processes.

Successes of Conquest For Life:

In October 1995 in Westbury, a group of young people came together to initiate innovative approaches to complex problems facing their community and, in doing so, to make a difference in the lives of their friends, families, neighbours and community members. This was achieved through outreach to schools (including placing members of the community in primary and high schools in response to the school crisis) and running a range of after-school activities.

In 1996, Conquest For Life moved into their local offices in Newclare. Community links were strengthened and validated by a community survey in April 1997. The survey secured grassroots participation in identifying problems, decision-making and project design. The results of the survey illustrated that Conquest For Life had gained the respect and encouragement of the community, which provided the impetus to roll out activities such as youth at risk camps, youth enrichment work and facilitating peace processes.

During 1998 Conquest For Life moved to new larger premises in Price Street and since then, has been able to develop a computer-training centre, victim offender conferencing and counselling work. In 1999 an independent evaluation was conducted on the impact of the In and Out Youth Development Project - Youth At Risk to see the impact of the project. During the evaluation it was clear to that the YAR Project is having a profound impact on the young people at risk.

In 2000 'Dreamlands' in De-Deur-Vereenigeng was bought. This farm has being developed as a residential centre. In addition, McKinsey International produced a feasibility study on the replication of the Conquest For Life model of working with youth at risk. In 2001 Conquest For Life signed an offer to purchase its current Head Office building. The organisation further expanded its work to the San People in Platfontein, Northern Cape. Positive relations were forged with the youth. An office is currently managed by the youth from that community.

During 2002 Conquest For Life opened an office in Ennerdale and runs four projects in that area. The same year CFL formed a partnership with the Johannesburg City Council Region 11 and acquires bigger premises in Ennedale. Plans for the Soweto office was already on the way since 2002 but in 2003 Conquest For Life opened its offices at the Bridgement Center in Zola. From the centre CFL ran three projects. During the same year CFL have also applied with SARS for approval in terms of section 10 and 18A. In the same year Conquest For Life paid of it's Head Office and bought a house in Creswill Park, Roodepoort to accommodate it's ever growing International Volunteers.

During 2004, CFL moved to a bigger space in Meadowlands, Soweto. Plans are also under way to open another office in Soweto. Late the same year we opened another office in Orange and there are only four projects that are being run in Orange Farm. Conquest For Life is also in the process of looking at the East Rand and we in the process of developing a plan for 2010. During Human Rights month, CFL launched its Reathusana Child Youth Justice Project where we work with over 1500 young people in Prison. In the same year CFL received approval from SARS as a public Benefits Organisation and it has Section 18A status. Conquest For Life started the proceedings to transfer the Head Office onto its name.

In 2005 Conquest For Life increased the number of schools, children, youth, parents and programs. The organisation also signed an offer to a camping site in Magaliesburg. Conquest For Life work with over 40 000 children and youth per month. During the same year, Conquest For Life purchased a house in Ennerdale to run its operation from there. The organisation has experienced many problems with the local politicians and council officials and at times they have made the environment not conducive for development.

In early 2006, Conquest For Life moved into the house in Ennerdale, Ext 9 and runs all projects from the house. After moving into the Ennerdale property, the organisation than evaluated it's strategies and decided to do the same in all the other areas of operation. Having their property will allow the organisation to focus on it's identity, branding and work on its long term strategy - "Conquest For Life must be a household name through out South Africa." The same year, the organisation rented a house in Orange Farm and signed an offer to purchase a property in Soweto. During the year, Conquest For Life explored the idea of opening an operation in the UK and in the USA.

The Organisation also won an award from the Gordon Institute of Business Science - University of Pretoria for Social Entrepreneur on the Brink. The organisation was also featured in various news paper articles including three books - " Charting progress, mapping the future- Ann Skelton and Mike Batley", "Kaelo stories of hope" and "Social Entrepreneurship in SA.

Currently, We have moved into the house and Soweto and use it as an office. We are also finalising our office space in Reiger Park in the East Rand and putting the bits and pieces together for the Eastern Cape. The US and UK negotiations are also under way.