The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department (SDECD), has initiated several programmes to commemorate Youth Day and help young people take action on serious issues.
‘Young people are facing increased pressure among their peers and in their environment, and as Youth Day celebrations commence, the City’s SDECD Department is focusing on hard hitting issues to encourage young people to take action. The aim is to give them practical tools so they can keep themselves safe and be part of the solution to the scourges which ravage our communities,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.
Throughout June, the department will run an anti-bullying campaign on social media through a series of podcasts with representatives from Childline SA and the Western Cape Education Department.
The discussions focus on different types of bullying, the signs, symptoms and effects. To this end, a survivor of bullying will share her story to mobilise young people in an effort to halt their damaging behaviour.
Podcast speakers will touch on all six types of bullying including cyberbullying.
The first edition, which went live on Friday, 11 June 2021, gives information on the signs and symptoms, types and effects and can be accessed here: https://bit.ly/3gdqNXV
The second edition (going live this week on 18 June 2021) will focus on what the WCED is doing to combat bullying at schools. Bullying is included in the curriculum and teachers are trained to deal with it. There are also various processes that a child can follow should they be a victim, resources available as well as what teachers should do.
Tomorrow, 16 June 2021, the Department begins a two-day session at the Durbanville Conference Centre to celebrate and empower young people through education and skills to advocate for themselves and their communities. The session aims to teach attendees, the City of Cape Town’s READI CPT Youth ambassadors and two community youth groups, how to accomplish their goals, live healthier and more fulfilled lives and develop strategies to combat GBV from a youth perspective.
‘GBV has been highlighted significantly in the last few years and it is evident that is it not an age-group specific issue. Sadly, incidents occur among young people and with the necessary tools and skills, they can protect themselves and help combat GBV in our society. It affects us all and it will take a collective effort to stamp it out,’ said Councilor Badroodien.
Other Youth Month activities include:
On Friday, 18 June 2021, registered young people will take part in remembering the history of the country by highlighting the importance of Youth Day
A virtual Career Expo on 23 June 2021 where invited participants will join the livestream covering a wide range of sectors and offering young people the opportunity to meet and network with top local internal and external partners in a virtual setting.
The City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development offers various programmes to youth aged 14 – 35 which include:
The Annual #YouthStartCT Entrepreneurial Challenge
Work Skills and Work Readiness
Computer Training
Leadership Skills
Mental Health Awareness and Training
Source: City Of Cape Town