Hillbrow outreach foundation

On May 5, social workers from Wedge Gardens treatment centre attended the opening of the new counselling and migrant support centre at the Hillbrow Theatre.

Upon arrival, the counsellors were treated to a performance called Isaro directed by Gcebile Dlamini.

The performance falls under the far-reaching Hillbrow Theatre Project that offers after-school performance arts programmes to children and youth who live or attend school in Hillbrow.

This helps them build confidence or work through the challenges they have to face on a daily basis, such as xenophobia, exploitation, drug abuse and violence.

The performance highlights the plight of xenophobia by taking the audience back to the Rwandan genocide.

The young and passionate cast has won numerous awards.

“We were then given historical facts about the site and went on a tour of the facilities. “The new counselling centre will assist in development, debriefing, group work, awareness and migrant support for those at risk. Pre-rehab intervention is also offered.

“This is where our relationship stems from as we often have referrals from the Hillbrow outreach project for our three-month treatment programme for substance or alcohol abuse,” said Karen Griessel.

She said Wedge Gardens only accepts South African citizens.