Villieria police launch projects to empower youth

In a heartwarming display of community spirit and proactive engagement, SAPS Villieria have put together three projects to equip young individuals with essential skills and leadership opportunities to foster a safer environment within schools and the broader community.

In collaboration with Brinant Security, AXON Security, Anubis Security, and the Child Protection Hotline, recently launched the S.A.F.E. Project.

This initiative equipped learners with essential skills in self-defence, first aid administration, and personal safety, fostering a safer environment within our schools.

Over a week, the S.A.F.E Project team visited numerous schools, including:
– Lindopark Primary,
– Derdepoort Primary,
– FH Odendaal High
– Curro Primary and High schools
– Queenswood Primary,
– Pierneef Primary,
– CR Swart High,
– Lerato,
– Kilnerton Primary,
– John Voster High,
– Voorpos Primary,
– Totiusdal Primary,
– Rietfontein Noord Primary,
– Villieria Primary,
– Oos-Moot High,
– Clapham High,
– Moot Maats,
– Eduplex High,
– Sonitus,
-Transvalia, and
– Via Nova Special School

Warrant Officer Marinda Austin of SAPS Villieria emphasised the importance of these sessions, stating: “The presentations highlighted the significance of understanding basic self-defence techniques to protect oneself in threatening situations and applying simple first aid techniques to assist in case of injuries. Through demonstrations and clear explanations, learners were empowered with practical knowledge that could prove crucial in real-life scenarios.”

Special attention was given to Grade R learners at Pierneef, Totiusdal, Villieria, Voorpos, and Kilnerton primary schools.

“These young minds were taught the importance of safety, how to contact emergency services on 10111 for police and 112 for ambulances, and the crucial lesson of never speaking to strangers,” explained Austin.

Austin remarked that, “These simple lessons help to protect them. Teaching young children safety rules keeps them safe.”

In a delightful gesture, Brinant Security provided each learner with a sweet treat, adding an extra layer of joy to the day.

The culmination of the week’s activities was marked by a visit to Via Nova Special School, where learners were greeted by the friendly faces of the Braveheart Bio Dog Unit’s puppy dogs.

The interaction brought smiles, laughter, and a sense of calmness to everyone present, creating a memorable experience for both learners and teachers.

Building on the success of the S.A.F.E Project, SAPS Villieria is also excited to introduce the Junior Commissioners Project.

This evolving initiative aims to empower young individuals by involving them in school-based programmes focused on safety and crime prevention.

“The vision of the project is to create a safe, secure learning environment free from violence, crime, and drugs, fostering the development of leaders who will uphold the moral values and principles of our society. The mission is to provide a multidisciplinary intervention programme aimed at preventing crime and violence in schools by involving learners to address any antisocial behaviour and criminality,” said Austin.

SAPS Villieria extended a warm invitation to several Grade 8 learners, along with their parents, from schools in the Moot to take part in this project. These participants are invited to attend an upcoming youth crime prevention presentation on May 31.

These learners will deliver a presentation on the topic of why the youth should be involved in preventing crime.

The presentation will be evaluated by a panel of judges from the Education and Community Safety departments, the Villieria CPF chairperson, and the District Social Crime Prevention co-ordinator.

The most impactful and inspiring presentation will be selected as the winner by the panel of judges. The winning learner will have the honour of representing SAPS Villieria as part of the Junior Commissioners Programme.

It is an esteemed opportunity to serve as a young ambassador, working alongside SAPS and the CPF to promote safety, leadership, and positive change within schools and the broader community.

With a focus on leading with courage, SAPS Villieria is also celebrating Youth Day on June 16 by inviting the school leaders to participate in a special radio interview with Radio Hi 5 Stereo in commemoration of the day.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for learners to share their thoughts on the importance of Youth Day. Their voices as students are vital, and we believe their contribution will add great value to this meaningful discussion.”

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