Fairvale Secondary youth group inspires clean living
FAR is a leadership programme directed to teenagers focusing on clean living and positive personal growth, while also addressing the dangers of substance abuse.
“NEVER doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can bring impact and change in society”.
This can be said of the learners of Fairvale Secondary School in Wentworth, who are the drivers of the Family Awareness and Recovery (FAR) programme.
The initiative was introduced at the school in 2007 but has since grown into a fully-fledged programme in partnership with Jirah Academy, which assists with funding, as well as the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Nursing School.
FAR is a leadership programme directed to teenagers focusing on clean living and positive personal growth, while also addressing the dangers of substance abuse. This is done through interactive talks and projects, trips, events, weekly health educational talks from UKZN nursing students and testimonies from guest speakers.
Chairperson of FAR, Asandiswa Madikizela and public operations manager, Mzwandile Goqwa had only good things to share about the worthy initiative.
“The programme is not only about drug awareness as many tend to think. When I joined FAR, I had low self-esteem and problems with my confidence but through engaging with others and taking in the positive input, I found that my self-esteem improved over time. I believe in myself and have gained leadership skills that I didn’t know I had in myself thanks to FAR,” said Asandiswa.
“I joined the programme in Grade 11 at a time where I was overwhelmed by anxiety and academic stress. Through FAR I was able to better manage my stress and approach to my studies. We also find that not only school children experience the social issues we address. Many people in the community are exposed to many social ills. So we also do community outreach by doing talks which encourage making positive choices and have a positive social life beyond the drugs that often trap them into a stagnant and unprogressive life,” said Mzwandile who added that bullying, crime and gangsterism had gone down considerably at the school and surrounding community thanks to the programme.
Founder of FAR, Calvin Stephanus said he has even received calls from ex-learners and parents from outside the school who need help with substance abuse and addiction. “We also assist learners who are addicted to alcohol and drugs by recommending AA and NA meetings. As a last resort, we recommend rehabilitation. We’ve helped people in the community and sent them to rehab. This, in turn, enhances the school’s reputation and shows that we go the extra mile to help our children.”
The fourth-year UKZN nursing students said they were glad to be part of educating learners on implementing healthy lifestyle choices as a practical component of their studies.
With funds allowing, the team looks forward to hosting a big community event to drive healthy living and youth empowerment. They appeal for sponsorship towards, sanitisers, masks and stationery. For more information contact Calvin Stephanus on 083-433-0410 or Fairvale Secondary on 031-468-4409.
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