12 days of fun for children of Ward 64
Children from Ward 64 in Vosloorus came in their numbers to Camp 4 Change, a 12-day charity, entertainment and education event that was organised for the youth of the community.
Initially slated to run for three days, from October 27 to 29, demand from the community saw the event extended to 12 days, from October 27 through November 7.
Founder and organiser Benedict Phatsane said Camp 4 Change is a charity event aimed at donating school shoes to needy children.
“Camp 4 Change also used the opportunity to share some ideas with the youth about the issues like unemployment and other social issues that affect them,” Phatsane said.
“There were platforms like educational programmes, entrepreneurial training, incubation programmes, permaculture as well as financial literacy training organised to help them find something productive to do.”
This was the second instalment of Camp 4 Change; the first took place at the same venue last year.
People didn’t want to leave, they were so excited. The camp ended up becoming a home to many of the children.
Community members were very welcoming and supportive, allowing their children to attend the event for so many days.
“Children popped in during the day and after school to access games that we had at the venue, such as pool and soccer tables, five-a-side tournaments, live performances, bicycle riding, indigenous gaming, active talks and movie nights with documentaries,” said Phatsane.
He said they even shot a movie in one of the tents at night. “The movie will be coming out soon,” he said.
Bicycles were hired for the children to use. To cover the costs of hire, users were asked to pay R20 for a 30-minute ride around the township.
Children also relished the opportunity to play pool and table soccer, as these games are usually only available in taverns which they are not allowed to enter.
Phatsane said the saddest moment was when they discovered that someone had broken into one of the tents and stolen all the money from the machines.
“I had to repay all the damages as the machines were broken,” he said.
A mobile library was also organised as the local community lacks a permanent facility. Children grabbed the opportunity even though it was only available for one day, on October 27, coming in their numbers to to do their homework there.
Six pairs of school shoes were collected and donated on site during the event.
