Local NPO celebrates Youth Day
The event was mainly focused on youth awareness about crime, abuse and bullying, as well as education about the history of Youth Day.
Wednesday, June 16 saw children dressed in their school uniforms to re-enact the 1992 musical drama film Sarafina, which centres on learners involved in the Soweto Uprising, opposing Afrikaans as the language of instruction in schools.
Locally based NPO, Mofuthu wa lerato invited Social Crime Prevention coordinator, Sergeant Ramosa, and Constable Motsoane from the Florida Police Station to their Youth Day celebrations in Fleurhof Ext 5 on June 16.
Sergeant Ramosa and Constable Motsoane shared their experience in the police force, and advised the youth to report social crime as it is one of the main factors that is affecting the local youth negatively.
According to the Director of Mofuthu wa lerato, Queen Seepe, the reason behind the event was to commemorate and salute the fallen heroes of 1976, and to create awareness among the youth about crime, drug abuse and bullying, and to promote education among young people since it is the organisation’s objective as mandated by the Department of Social Development.
“These children learnt about how the education system (Bantu education) changed from oppression to freedom.
“The bravery and courage of the youth of 1976 are a challenge to the youth of today. In order to succeed in life, education and discipline are crucial.
“The education system that oppressed students fought for was not given, therefore today’s youth disassociating themselves from drugs and crime would be a great honour to those who died for the education system to be this great.
“Let the youth of today be brave, and fight with books to protect the country,” said Seepe.
Towards the end of the event prizes were up for grabs when the children had to answer some questions based on the speeches that were delivered on the day.
Prizes included a dictionary, a pencil case with correction fluid (Tippex), and a pencil case with a school bag.
