The Meyerton SAPS carried out an impactful Take Charge school holiday campaign at the St Mary Catholic Church situated at Ophir Estate on July 14. The event was held under the theme “You Have the Power. Your Future. Your Choices.”

The event was supported by stakeholders, including the Meyerton Social Crime, the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Vereeniging SAPS, the Gauteng Department of Community Safety, the Gauteng Traffic Department, the Gauteng Traffic Wardens, Agape Lerato, Siyabangena, Sicelo Youth, and the church members.

The programme is geared towards the upliftment of young people and educating them about different social ills and how to overcome them. Meyerton spokesperson Constable Nompumelelo Zazini says that young people living in communities face various challenges daily.

“Through this programme, we want to educate young people about various government services as well as various services offered by different stakeholders. We want to teach them that they are not alone. When faced with things such as peer pressure and abuse, there is always someone they can speak to.

Furthermore, youngsters were informed on how they can access information and build the careers of their dreams. They were educated about the law.

The event fostered a spirit of unity, with various speakers urging young people to stay away from negative things and focus on their studies. Attendees had the opportunity to attend motivational talks and goal-setting sessions. Young people were urged to work hard in order to reach their dreams and make better career choices.