Sisiwe Nqeza, a social worker at Realistic Centre, has called on adults to be better role models.
Image: Phiri Cawe
Eighteen primary schools in and around Gugulethu met at the John Pama Primary School in Nyanga last Saturday to celebrate Freedom Day and learn about the dangers of drugs and substance abuse through programme Sifunda Sidlala.
Image: Phiri Cawe
A Gugulethu-based non-profit organisation has sent out a strong message to young and old to change their behaviour and contribute to the fight against substance abuse.
Rebuilding and Life Skills Training Centre (Realistic) brought together 18 primary schools at the John Pama Primary in Nyanga on Saturday April 26 to celebrate Freedom Day under the annual programme, Funda Sidlala.
The programme included indigenous games and educational aspects.
Realistic was started in 2004 by a former correctional services officer, Solomon Madikane, in partnership with the National Prosecution Authority after he saw a need for a support and bridging programme for ex-offenders.
The organisation works with youth aged between 16 and 35, with a special focus on the reintegration of ex-offenders, some of whom were sent to the programme by the courts.
The organisation continues to advocate for the rights of vulnerable groups, especially children.
Sisiwe Nqeza, officer manager and a social worker, said the day was also to highlight the importance of taking care of one’s health and encourage the youth to stay away from drugs and crime.
She said despite the centre’s record of achievements in addressing crime-related issues, the community still faces many social ills.
“We have all the programmes that we thought were doing well like early intervention, social crime, outpatient and life skills, but even so, we still have a problem with drug and substance abuse in the community. The youngest child that was referred to our office was a 9-year-old. That shows how our communities are. There are parks where these children use drugs. The younger ones copy the older ones. That is why as Realistic we cannot sit and fold our arms. (This problem) needs us as adults to change our behaviour especially in front of the children,” she said.
It was a busy day for the pupils who enjoyed the games.
Realistic member, Luvuyo Ndeshu, 43, who lives in Gugulethu, said it was a pity he took a long time to discover that drugs are a problem. He said he joined the programme after he abused alcohol and drugs but is now in recovery.
He said in the process he lost his job and his child was taken away from him.
“I am one of those who can say ‘I blew it’ after abusing alcohol. But I am happy to have been part of the Realistic. Look at me now today helping others to stay clean. I can say I have accomplished my objective,” he said.
He said the youth must stay away from bad people and drugs. “They should know that crime does not pay. They must look at people like me, even though I am now cleaning myself up, but I have lost a lot. There are many young boys that are hooked on drugs. The message to them would be to stay away and focus on their education.”
Realistic called on those who have challenges with drug and alcohol abuse to visit its offices in Gugulethu for help.