Excitement filled Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg as 100 boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 prepared themselves for the launch of the social and behavioural change (SBC) programme, ChommY.
Social Development Deputy Minister, Dr Hendrietta Bogopane-Zulu, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), launched ChommY at Silverstream Primary School in Manenberg in the Western Cape on Saturday.
ChommY is a social and behavioural change programme for boys and girls between the ages of 10 and 14 years.
Manenberg is a community on the Cape Flats that has been plagued by gang-related violent crimes and drug abuse.
ChommY, a colloquial term for “friend”, seeks to build positive friendships among kids, and encourages young boys and girls to motivate one another to minimise risky behaviour and social ills, including bullying.
Themed ‘Invest in my Future… Protect me Today’, ChommY aims to generate knowledge, develop skills and empower young people to fabricate informed choices and contribute to reducing the high prevalence of HIV infection, substance abuse and prevention of teenage pregnancy.
Exploring social ills that affect Manenberg kids during the dialogue, 13-year-old Zainab Williams* recalled a chilling incident where she witnessed a woman being fatally wounded during a drive-by shooting.
“I saw this lady die in front of me. I went home afterwards as if nothing happened. I wish the violence could halt,” Williams said.
When asked if they had lost anyone they knew due to violence in the area, more than half the kids raised their hands, with most saying they maintain lost an uncle, close pal, mother or grandfather.
Bogopane-Zulu said she felt it was critical to visit Manenberg to try to find solutions for the struggles that the kids are exposed to.
“We brought this programme here so you can acquire a day to be kids and to remind you that your dreams are valid. Finish not let your circumstances define your future,” Bogopane-Zulu said.
Founder of Mothers4Justice, Vanessa Andriaase, thanked the Deputy Minister for revisiting Manenberg.
“We really feel our community is forgotten and such programmes execute not reach our kids. Programmes such as ChommY gain the potential to change the narrative for the boys and girls sitting in this hall,” Andriaase said. – SAnews.gov.za
Redmouth
Did you know that another country lies within the borders of South Africa? The Kingdom of Lesotho is a sovereign state that is located in the Drakensberg Mountain area. The mountainous country has been nicknamed “the Kingdom in the Sky” thanks to the magnificent scenery and landscapes!
Scarlet Mary
Laaitie – a young male [light-e] This term is used to describe a male in his teens or early twenties.