Therapist Yama 2k engages with the Alex youth through ‘Street Youth Dialogue’

Busisiwe Mzandolo in partnership with the Phoenix Alexandra founder Emily Mabasa commemorated youth month by engaging in a dialogue with young people that addressed the challenges they face.

July 1, 2023

Alulutho Siboma 1 minute read

Youngsters let loose and have fun in the 'Street Youth Dialogue' while they discuss the challenges they face as young people. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

In commemoration of the youth of 1976, Busisiwe Mzandolo, therapist and founder of Health Culture Consultants in partnership with the founder of Phoenix Alexandra Emily Mabasa arranged a June 16 dialogue in Realogile High School to sensitise, educate and give the youth of Alex a voice.

With youth unemployment and substance abuse as their main topic; the two engaged with the youngsters about the challenges people face in their community when they are unemployed and what blocks their success as young people in Alexandra.

Busisiwe Mzandolo, therapist and founder of Health Culture Consultant, sensitises the youth about things they must avoid if they want to become successful. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

“I was very happy when the young people had a chance to open up and share their experiences and challenges and learn from each other. I wish we had more young people who attended the event so we could get more voices. I am also happy that I got to support the Phoenix Alexandra group and share my experience with them. Every start is important, and it builds up to many more events,” Mzandolo said.

The hosts made learning and the dialogue fun by engaging the youth in fun activities to get them to relax and have fun while discussing these matters creating a safe space for them to share their views and opinions.

Emily Mabasa, founder and CEO of Phoenix Alexandra shows off her dance moves to the audience. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

“The kids learned a lot from the event as they were empowered with knowledge about mental health, entrepreneurship, opportunities and encouraged to stay away from crime and to understand their challenges as young people living in Alexandra. I am also happy with the outcome, attendance and the performance,” Mzandolo said.

Mzandolo said that she was also hoping to support Mabasa who is a young entrepreneur in Alex. “Emily is helping and supporting many young people in the community to stay away from crime, teenage pregnancy and drugs through dancing, and I am happy that after the event the organisation is starting to be recognised.”

Busisiwe Mzandolo, therapist and founder director of Health Culture Consultant educates the youngsters about the dangers of substance abuse on young people. Photo: Alulutho Siboma

Mzandolo said that after this dialogue she hopes that the youth of Alexandra will understand the importance of not always waiting for people to do things for them but learning to be independent and start their own brands and work hard to build their careers while they are young.