Durban South youth learn about life
An initiative by the SAPREF Community Liaison Forum (CLF) has provided essential information to South Durban youth to enable them to make informed choices about their lives.
On Heritage Day, 24 September, 400 youngsters from Isipingo, Umlazi, Lamontville, Merebank and Austerville attended a conference at Clairwood Race Course organized by the SAPREF CLF. On the agenda were topics such as study and exam skills, post-school options, choosing a career, how to fund studies, entrepreneurship, substance abuse and healthy lifestyles.
“One of the challenges facing the youth in our communities is a lack of information,” explained SAPREF sustainable development manager, Lindiwe Khuzwayo. “The conference aimed to empower the youth with information that will hopefully help them in making decisions about their lives.”
After an expert had addressed the audience on each topic, a panel discussion was held with youngsters sharing their experiences. “This made it easier for the youth to relate to the topic and they benefited from hearing first-hand how their peers had dealt with challenges,” said Khuzwayo.
An important feature of the conference was the presence of the Department of Home Affairs who assisted attendees in making applications for identity documents. Equally important was a stand by the Wentworth AIDS Action Group which provided HIV counselling.Other popular stands were those of organizations providing services to the youth, such as the Central Applications Office who manage all applications for higher educational institutions in KZN and the National Student Financial Aid Scheme who assist with loans for tertiary education. The Durban University of Technology were present to provide advice on further education. The Wentworth Victim Friendly Centre provided advice on issues of domestic violence and abuse.
“We hope that some of the youth left the conference knowing about options they didn’t have before,” said Khuzwayo.
“This was an exciting and educational experience which I can’t wait to share with other learners at my school. The talk by Mr. Max Moyo on “Who are You” will definitely guide me in my future in making the right choices because I will give more thought to who I am said Zanele Mqadi , grade 12 student at Velabahleke School. Adeline Naicker, a grade 11 student at P R Pather Secondary agreed and added that the conference was very educational and that she learned that she should match her career choice to her personality.
Notes to editors:
The SAPREF Community Liaison Forum comprises over 20 non-profit organisations organisations from neighbouring communities, as well as local authorities and SAPREF people. The CLF meets monthly, with an independent facilitator, to discuss environmental and social issues.
For more information please contact:
Cindy Govender
Communications Officer
SAPREF
Tel: 031 480 1303 or 082 885 2909
govendci@sapref.com