JEFFREYS BAY – Going to high school can be a daunting and challenging experience where teenagers face many temptations and difficulties.
Recognising these obstacles that learners encounter during this critical transition period, the Healthy Mom and Baby Clinic (HMBC) sought to create a programme specifically designed to address the challenges faced by grade 7 learners before they make the transition to high school.
On 29 August, the HMBC launched the Mi Friday programme at Makukhanye Primary School in Pellsrus, with plans to expand their coverage throughout the Kouga region.
This initiative aims to create a platform where HMBC can equip grade 7 learners through discussion groups with girls and boys, addressing topics such as identity, self-worth, and values before they begin their high school journey.
The new initiative builds on the success of Female Friday, a project that began in 2019, focusing specifically on grade 7 female learners throughout the Kouga region.
As previously reported, Female Friday was launched by Thandi Radebe (representing HMBC), Bernadette Swart (representing Oasis FM) and Sarah Darby (representing Journey Counselling Centre).
According to Radebe, a counsellor at HMBC, the high rate of teenage pregnancy in the region affects both genders, prompting the HMBC to expand its programme to include male learners.
“It is important that boys also receive a similar message about preventing teenage pregnancy,” said Radebe.
To ensure effective communication with the male learners, Radebe approached Dennis Vooijs, whom she describes as having a “father’s heart.”
Vooijs, who has been part of the HMBC for seven years since his wife Else joined as a midwife, was enthusiastic about the opportunity.
Originally from Holland, Vooijs explained that there are not many good role models for boys in the community, and many often lack self-esteem.
“During my time with the boys at the school, I speak positively into their lives to give them hope for the future,” said Vooijs.
“I motivate them and remind them of their value.”
Vooijs emphasised the programme’s focus on identity and development.
“We talk about their identity and how they will be developing into young men, and the changes they can expect in their bodies. We also ask them who they want to become and encourage them to make good choices,” said Vooijs.
He further said that he also addresses dating education, teaching about the importance of boundaries and respecting others’ boundaries.
Radebe explained that with the girls, they focus on respecting their bodies and themselves, making informed choices, exploring their future goals, and planning and preparing for life in high school and beyond.
At the launch event, which targeted grade 7 learners, the HMBC reached 68 girls and 102 boys.
Each learner received specially prepared care packages tailored to their needs.
The girls’ packs included sanitary products, bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, bra, lotion, and roll-on deodorant.
To further assist underprivileged girls at the school, Radebe said that she provides the learners with sanitary products, either delivering supplies monthly or having learners visit the HMBC when needed.
To ensure that each girl receives the correct bra size, she takes the extra step of visiting the school beforehand to measure each girl.
The boys received packages containing an elastic band with the inspirational message, “I am who God says I am,” along with bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, lotion and roll-on deodorant.
“We also say a special prayer over each pack,” said Radebe.
The HMBC’s commitment extends beyond the initial launch.
Radebe said that future plans include expanding the programme to other schools in the region and implementing a mentorship programme titled “Undiluted,” which will tackle larger topics such as sex education and sexually transmitted diseases.
Radebe said that the programme specifically targets grade 7 learners to prepare them for the transition to high school, with plans to follow up once learners advance to secondary education.
“We want to build a relationship with Makukhanye Primary, so the launch is not the last time we will be visiting. We plan to speak to the kids again at a later stage,” said Radebe.
The programme receives significant support from Jennifer Cruciano, an American benefactor who visits Jeffreys Bay annually for four months.
Upon returning to America, Cruciano raises funds for the HMBC, serving as Mi Friday’s biggest sponsor.
