Sandiso Phaliso
PUPILS from two Cape Flats schools enjoyed live drama performances and were taught about active citizenship when they gathered at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Monday.
This was the third time the CTICC has hosted such a youth programme.
Drama groups Arts of Hearts and Unmute Dance Company, through their performances, provided the pupils with possible solutions to challenges they, and their communities, face on a daily basis.
To drive home their point, the drama performances focused on the power of young people to make a change in their communities and the dangers of alcohol and drug abuse.
The event, as part of the 40th commemoration of the June 16 uprising, was organised by Youth Interpreter, a community organisation managed by a group of young people. They focus on enriching the youth through various programmes, including workshops, an ambassador programme and internship.
About 100 pupils from Mitchells Plain School of Skills and Lathi-Tha School of Skills, cheered loudly when the drama groups took to the stage.
Youth Interpreter co-ordinator Keith Knoop said the pupils were taught that their lives were in their own hands.
Knoop said where the pupils come from, predominantly in Mitchells Plain and Khayelitsha, gangsterism, teenage pregnancy and drug and alcohol abuse was rife.
“They can’t change their past, but they can shape their future positively.
“These young people are wonderful. We are telling them that they are not leaders of tomorrow, but leaders today.”
Arts of Hearts leader Thando Baliso said the aim of the event was to encourage the pupils to take ownership of their lives.
CTICC chief operating officer Julie-May Ellingson said: “For a number of years, we have provided the schools with life-skills and development training as well as hosting them at the centre for hands on experiential training. We believe such training is invaluable and equips students with the tools they need to gain employment.
“It is important for us to show our gratitude to the youth who fought so valiantly for our freedom (and) I hope we are doing justice to their legacy.”
Pupil Keith Booysen, 18, said he learnt to face his problems instead of running away from them. Booysen’s message to other pupils was: “Don’t do drugs and keep healthy.”