Programme keeps children out of danger during school holidays

It was a day filled with fun and games as the children of Moriting, Mashemong, Sedibeng and Makhulong took part in Ahihlangeni Tembisa’s School Holiday programme at Mashemong Park.

The children had fun participating in various sporting activities and playing indigenous games such as dibeke, skipping, and athletics among others under the supervision of various local volunteers from NGOs.

The programme commenced on July 12 and ended on the Saturday over the weekend.

Life 4 U Foundation founder, Simon Molekwa, led the programme in partnership with members of Vuka Clever Youth Organization and the City of Ekurhuleni Social Development (Northern Region), Moriting Community Policing Forum and Cleaner Nyaope NGOs. Youth from Moriting Section, Mashimong, Sedibeng and Makhulong participated in the programme.

Because so many children go missing or get raped and killed, local community builder Molekwa, started the programme to ensure the safety of children and organised activities to keep them busy during school holidays.

“Our aim was to ensure the safety of children in the community and help fight crime. There are young people who fall into traps set up by human traffickers. They are also tempted to take drugs and to abuse alcohol. So, we found it important to take them off the streets by keeping them busy at the park. It was all about having fun and entertaining the children throughout the holidays,” said Molekwa.

Molekwa emphasised that the programme works towards enhancing each individual participant’s self-image, self-worth and team building skills.

“Children and youth are encouraged to become more self-governing and responsible because doing so increases respect and consideration for others,” he added.

The children were grouped in several different formats throughout the day depending on the program and activity.

Groups were broken up by age, gender or personal preference.

Molekwa added that the programme was a huge success through the partnership of Moriting organisations and the municipality. They sincerely believe the partnership between the organisations, community members and the Department of Social Development (Tembisa) will go a long way to ensure the development of youth and children.

“We are grateful for the response from parents who assisted in supervising the children as well as KMC Butchery Mr Carlos and social development for sponsoring the programme,” said Molekwa.

Children were served lunch during the day before they could return to their homes.