Beautiful Scar provides a platform for young people to express their misery
The initiative's founder, Rethabile Lechela, stated that she began it after observing that many people “bottle up” their issues rather than talking about them.
The Youth Day programme in Windmill Park, known as Beautiful Scar, is a community healing effort that was started seven years ago to enable people to talk about their wounds.
It also focuses on assisting teenagers and young adults in overcoming peer pressure, depression, anxiety, and self-harm.
The initiative’s founder, Rethabile Lechela, stated that she began it after observing that many people “bottle up” their issues rather than talking about them.
“Turn pain into power; your scars are a badge of honour, so wear them with pride,” guest speaker Melissa Moyani said.
Beautiful Scar provides services to young people, both male and female, with a focus on teenagers who are vulnerable to peer pressure, depression, anxiety, and self-harm on Youth Day.
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In addition to its discussions, the project offers community events like a sanitary pad drive and a soup kitchen to keep young people involved and supported.
Panellists from SANCA, SADAG, the National Empowerment Fund, Standard Bank, nearby schools, the ward councillor’s office, religious leaders, and youth development organisations were asked by the organisers to provide guidance, useful tools, and avenues for empowerment.
Beautiful Scar seeks to reduce stigma and empower young people to turn their scars into strengths by combining honest communication, practical support, and partnerships with knowledgeable stakeholders.
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