When Delft community leaders noticed children being spectators at gruesome murder scenes, they decided it was time to divert their attention to more child-friendly activities.
Over the June school holidays, more than 200 kids attended a safer schools programme where they had fun with games and were treated to hot meals.
All of this is thanks to Farieda Ryklief, the secretary of the Delft Police Station Community Policing Forum, along with organisations such as Women in Healing (WIH), Hearts Community Angels and Masjied Tut-Tayyibah, the Delft Walking Bus and City of Cape Town Law Enforcement.
Over the weekend, 10 people were murdered in the area.
Farieda says in Delft, crime scenes have become common.
“After visiting a crime scene in Dulles Street, in The Hague, in early June, I was taken aback by the number of children on that scene,” she says.
“It appeared to be common for them, which I personally found alarming.
“I immediately started chatting with local organisations (about interventions).”
Delft CPF gave the kids lekker dite each day. Picture supplied
Farieda says she called organisations and with the help of Law Enforcement, a holiday programme was put together which turned out to be a huge success.
“A collaboration between Woman in Healing, Hearts Community Angels and Masjied Tut-Tayyibah ensured successful implementation of a Safer Schools Holiday Programme.
“We had no money and no budget, but we managed to pull it off because of the kind hearts of colleagues, friends, family and two neighbouring organisations.
“We managed to serve children breakfast each day, and a warm cooked meal before they leave, every day from Monday to Friday.
“Every now and then we spoiled them with some tasty treats and goodies.”
Delft children enjoyed fun and games and hot meals during holiday programme. Picture supplied
On Friday, the last activity was held in conjunction with Law Enforcement.
“Due to the commitment of several kids to participate every day despite the wind and rain, we decided to host an end-of-programme bash.
“We cannot thank the Law Enforcement members, under the leadership of Officer Smith and their cadets, enough for availing themselves on such a short notice to spend time with these vulnerable children.
“I wish we could do more for these children as many attended the programme in cold, rainy weather without shoes or jackets, wearing one outfit throughout the programme.”
Luthfiyah Tities, 36, of Woman in Healing, says they hope to host an after-school progamme every day, but need help.
“We could only do the basics and give them a hot meal.
“We hope to start an after-school programme this week,” Luthfiyah said.
genevieve.serra@inl.co.za