Initiative to empower young minds in KTC

PHIRI CAWE

A new initiative in KTC aims to take children off the streets, help them with their homework and keep them occupied with activities like traditional dance.

Amava Skills and Education was launched at Sanco Hall on Saturday May 3.

Chairperson and founder of the NPO, Mlandeli Mgobo called on all sectors of society to unite as active partners in fostering community safety, promoting education and advancing socio-economic progress.

“We are grateful to have formed such an initiative that helps the children of our area. We realised that children are loitering the streets and decided to form this NPO. We have classes, helping them with their school work and traditional dances together with music. The aim is clear, to take them off the streets. We know that once they occupy themselves with a lot of positive things, the community wins. There will be less crime. There will be less of those who leave school early. The challenge for some is that they have no one to help them with school work. This comes as a solution to their challenges,” he said.

The event brought together representatives from the City of Cape Town, political parties, civil society and community leaders.

Lumkile Msila represented councillor Suzzane Zumane who was attending a funeral.

Speaking on her behalf, Mr Msila said such an organisation is long overdue.

“This is one of the greatest initiatives here. We should have had such an organisation a long time ago. Our area is crime-riddled because most children are doing nothing. Now they will have a place to go and learn traditional music and dance. The councillor has also shown interest in the organisation. I hope in the ward councillor budget it will be funded,” said Mr Msila.

Sonwabile Dala, local member of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO),  encouraged parents to allow their children to join the organisation if they are serious about ending crime in the area.

Another speaker from the City of Cape Town's Recreation and Parks department, Khayalethu Njana, said the organisation is important to what they do. Mr Njana manages the facilities in the Nyanga precinct and has discouraged vandalism on City properties. “We ought to take care of our facilities. The City cannot provide facilities and we as a community allow them to be vandalised. Let us protect them for our children,” he said.