On Monday, 19 June 2023, the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety (POCS) hosted youth from various high schools in the Delft area as part of its Youth Month Programme.
Also read: A look back at the history and significance of Youth Day
The event was attended by high school students in Grades 11 and 12 from eight different high schools in the Delft community.
Delft Technical High School, Rosendal High School, Voorbrug S.S.S., Delft High School, Simunye High School, Curro High Delft, Leiden High School and Hague High School were among them.
In order to give hope to youth who have been victims of physical or sexual violence, the programme focused on gender-based violence (GBV) and dealing with personal trauma.
The event was held at the Delft Civic Centre and featured motivational and guest speakers such as Mr Reginald Maart, Chairperson of the Community Police Forum; Ms Michelle Adonis, Ward Councillor for the Delft area and Ms Christina Nomdo, Western Cape Commissioner for Children.
Love Life, the South African Police Service, Justice Desk Africa and Gun Free SA were among the other organisations involved in the programme.
‘The earlier we can engage our young people on a variety of matters that plague our community, the more we will be able to influence them to make the right and positive choices in life,’ said Minister Reagen Allen. ‘Every day, our youth are confronted with various and difficult matters and they are expected to make certain decisions. We must find regular opportunities to empower our young people in order to ensure that they do not fall victim to lives of gangsterism, crime, or becoming abusers themselves.’
He added that regrettably, Delft, like so many other communities across the Cape Flats and the province, is known for all the wrong reasons.
‘Through and with our youth, we want to change the narrative. I urge parents, family members, friends and the communities at large to embrace and encourage our youth, so that they may be free to soar in life.’
The POCS continues to work with South African Police Services, municipalities, community policing forums, neighbourhood watch groups and other organisations to create a safer society for all.
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Picture: Minister Reagen Allen / Facebook