Educate and change youth lives for the better

Raising awareness and educating locals about substance abuse among the youth.

April 4, 2022

Duduzile Khumalo 1 minute read

Some of the attendees of the day. Photo: Duduzile Khumalo

The event on March 25, took place in partnership with the Norwood Community Police Forum, Hillbrow Radio 24/7, Department of Social Development, The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Gift of the Givers, One Moment Foundation, Norwood Victim Empowerment (Lifeline), and Meals on Wheels.

Norwood Young Stars in orange vests and Orange Grove United in lime vests play their first match of the day. Photo: Duduzile Khumalo

It was a busy day with a variety of activities such as netball, football as well as painting among others.

Mothushi Manyake, the project manager for #LeanOnMe said, “Lean is a colourful sweet drink mixture containing codeine [found in cough syrup], [mixed with] fizzy drinks especially sparkling lemonade and hard candy. We hosted this fun day for the youth to be educated about lean and other drug substances. We encourage them not to ‘lean’ on drugs but to ‘lean’ on their talents whether it’s soccer, dance, singing, painting, and above all to enjoy themselves.”

Lebani ‘Rasta’ Sirenje and the role players involved in the #LeanOnMe awareness fun day. Photo: Duduzile Khumalo

He said there were also organisations in the neighbourhood that would assist the youth in realising their potential and that was the goal of the day.

Children are excited about drawing and painting in the art project competition. Photo: Duduzile Khumalo

Lebani ‘Rasta’ Sirenje, the famous local artist, judged some of the children’s wonderful art. He was delighted to be part of such an extraordinary event and encouraged the youth to make better choices by staying away from codeine.