Social skills the focus of new teen market in Centurion
“I wanted to create a space where myself and many other teens who struggle with socialising can come and meet new people, interact with each other, share ideas and also relieve some stress after a difficult year with covid and exams.”
A new arts and crafts market in Centurion was founded by 17-year-old Simone Kotze in the hopes of creating a space of safe socialising and blowing off steam after a tumultuous year.
The market is aimed at having teenagers showcase and sell their products, while also meeting other teenagers, parents and peers, and making some extra pocket money in the process.
“I wanted to create a space where myself and many other teens who struggle with socialising can come and meet new people, interact with each other, share ideas and also relieve some stress after a difficult year with Covid-19 and exams,” said Kotze.
The products exhibited at the market range from self-made goods and treats like brownies, pancakes, art pieces, jams, earrings and wooden toys, to things like fresh veggies, handbags and plants.
Elmarie Kotze, Simone’s mum, agrees that the original idea behind the market was safe socialising and relieving exam stress, but also emphasised the importance of teaching children the value of money, working for your money and doing your own marketing to sell your products.
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“The market is fairly new. It started on 3 October and will be operating every second Saturday at the open lot on the corner of Lyttelton Road and Fairway Avenue. We have a few adults who are also exhibiting, but eventually we would really like to make this a ‘teen-only’ market. We are increasing our marketing and trying to find out what kind of market teenagers will be attracted to,” Elmarie says.
The market offers car guards and is completely fenced. It will cost you R120 to get a stall if you’re a scholar and R150 if you’re an adult.
If you would like to get involved with the market, feel free to contact Simone or Elmarie on mersone.centre@gmail.com.
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