Mamre’s kids get support
INFORM: Neighbourhood Watch members’ drive. Picture supplied
The Mamre Neighbourhood Watch held a fun and informative Youth Day Awareness Drive in collaboration with other community organisations yesterday.
The event was aimed at making kids aware of the evils of drug abuse and gender-based violence.
Youth Life Counts, Survivors Haven Foundation, Open Hearts Projects, Women For Change, Jesus Calling Ministries, SAPS and the community police forum joined hands with the neighbourhood watch to stand up against social injustices.
Comelita Storkey-Williams said: “The neighbourhood watch does weekly patrols and we always get confronted with users.
“Drug abuse is on the rise among the youth and the community has the power to eliminate this social issue.
“This awareness is just one step closer to educating our youth over the long-term dangers of drug abuse.”
Janine Passenz, founder of the Survivors Haven Foundation, said community members and leaders were not doing enough to halt GBV: “People are too scared to say they support victims because the perpetrators are known to them.
“The community must get involved, attend court hearings, support the police, support parents whose kids were abused, support organisations and don’t stay silent about gender-based-violence incidents.”
Fun activities were held for the 150 youngsters while SAPS shared safety tips.