Kilbarchan Development Committee – Grooming young minds
The goal of the seminar was to educate young men on the social ills which invade communities when father figures were not present to guide the family.
The Kilbarchan Developement Committee (KDC) are it once again, as they hosted a ‘Grooming Young Minds’ seminar at the Madadeni Community Hall on Friday, August 25.
A total of 300 boys from schools such as Khwezi High School, Dedangifunde High School and Duck Pond High School attendeed and educated on topics such as violence, crime and substance abuse.
The goal of the seminar was to educate young men on the social ills which invade communities when father figures were not present to guide the family.
According to Sanele Ntshangase of KDC, the initiative was as a result of her love for children, and how the world has changed due to the lack of father figures in a child’s life.
“They end up turning into these violent monsters, who succumb to substance abuse and reckless behaviour.”
She believed children suffered as a result of not having a proper male figure guiding them in the right direction.
“When I first had this idea I didn’t think it would be this big, It was only a dream until I decided to stand up and knock on the relevant doors for this seminar to be a success,” said Ntshangase.
“I have now supplied these young boys with strong male figures who will be their mentors and be the role model they need to turn into great men, and to become the respectable leaders of tomorrow.”
Speakers on the day included; CEO of Dalmat Africa Group, Mr X. Hlongwane, who had traveled from Johannesburg to Newcastle to attend the seminar. The topic he presented was ‘Carrying yourself as a young man’.
The owner of Khazins Shisa-Nyama, Mr Duma was also present, and he covered the topic of substance abuse.
The highlight of the day was the presence of his worship the Mayor of Newcastle, Cllr Makhosini Eric Nkosi,who spoke about ‘Understanding leadership’.
KDC was established on March 1, and is a group of Kilbarchan residents who joined hands with Ward 21 Councillor, Vangile Molefe, to rebuild the ‘forgotten community’ of Kilbarchan, and help those in need.
The main aim of the KDC is to improve the standard of living of poor and marginalised people in the community through sustainable projects to create employment opportunities, better education and better socio-economic conditions.
Ntshangase said the group was undoubtedly driven by the love for their community and guided by high ethical values.
“I’d like to thank all my speakers for taking time from their busy schedule to attend this seminar. I’d also like to thank the “Black Child Foundation” for their support, as well as the Newcastle Municipality for making this day possible.”
“Thank you for believing in this project from the first day I presented it to you. You went that extra mile and took it upon your own shoulders to ensure this day was magnificent. And to all the pupils, thank you for being the best audience,” she said to the Mayor in thanks.
