Young people in Jeffreys Bay were empowered with vital information and opportunities during a Youth Outreach Programme held on June 24.
The initiative, hosted by the Sarah Baartman District Community Police Forum in partnership with the Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Department of Correctional Services, the Department of Agriculture, the Department of Community Safety and the Kouga Local Municipality, focused on promoting sport, addressing the root causes of crime, and providing guidance to local youth.
The outreach targeted the youthful community members of Ocean View in Jeffreys Bay and brought together government departments supported by entities committed to youth development.
These included the Eastern Cape Midlands TVET College, the Eastern Cape Rugby Union, On Eagles Wings (Non-Governmental Organisation), Bambanani Boxing Club, a local Chess Club and the Kouga Community Based Forum (NGO).
At least 80 young boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 attended the event at Jeffreys Bay Comprehensive School Hall and participated in the first phase of the programme with much excitement and in high spirits.
Elvina Felix, Sports Coordinator at Kouga Local Municipality, who warmly welcomed guests and participants, took the opportunity to encourage the boys and girls to participate in sport and to maintain a healthy lifestyle as they grow into the future to become the professionals of tomorrow.
“On behalf of the Kouga Local Municipality, I wish to thank the organisers for this initiative and for bringing this exciting programme to where it is needed the most,” said Felix.
Victor Maboza, Assistant Director for the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture in the Sarah Baartman District, explained that the purpose of the event is to decrease the involvement and recruitment of youth into gangsterism, crime and drug abuse through sport and recreation activities.
“We have realised that to have an impact, we need to have a programme that will be continuous. After this event, we will be having a planning meeting to create a Sport and Recreation Hub that will drive activities for the youth and be led by volunteers from the same area,” said Maboza.
“DSRAC Sarah Baartman District under Recreation Development will be working with different NGOs, different Departments, Sporting Federations and different municipalities within the Sarah Baartman District.”
In his message of support, John Nelson, from the Department of Correctional Services, echoed the statement made by the chess master.
“Life is like a game of chess. One wrong move and you find yourself in trouble,” said Nelson.
He further appealed to learners to make good choices in life because what you do today can impact your future, he said.
“Today, you are standing in front of me as a free and innocent child, but tomorrow you can stand in front of me as a convicted detainee because of the wrong choices you made,” Nelson warned.
Sarah Baartman District Community Police Board Chairperson, Mieta Williams-Jan, spoke from the heart when she delivered a heartfelt vote of thanks to show her appreciation to those who supported the different government departments and organisations that joined this worthy cause.
As a resident of Ocean View, she said that the parents of the children who participated in the event were happy to see their children spending time with professionals who have a positive influence on them.
Each organisation present delivered presentations and hosted interactive stalls where learners and community members could ask questions and receive more detailed information from safety tips to possible career choices and opportunities in different sporting codes that build self-respect and pride.
The second phase of the programme, consisting of fun-filled games and recreational activities, was the highlight of the day.
Laughter, joy and happiness erupted as the different groups competed in activities that demanded discipline and coordinated togetherness to succeed.
