Durban - The scourge of crime, social ills such as drug abuse and alcoholism, teenage pregnancy and gender violence were some of the challenges identified by teenagers and pre-teens as issues affecting young girls, during the first eThekwini Girl Child Boot Camp, held at Shongweni Dam.
More than 300 girls between the ages of 12 and 14, chosen from 110 eThekwini wards, enjoyed a three-day event.
The aim was for the girls to interact through dialogue and teamwork exercises, and work out how they could best address these challenges.
They were addressed by eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede.
The girls said they were impressed and motivated by her words of inspiration.
For 14-year-old Kairo Skeef, of Mariannridge, listening to Gumede talk made her change her mind about her future.
“I actually wanted to be an actress. But after meeting the mayor, I now want to be a minister.
“She told us that we must become better people, hard workers and that we must stay away from drugs,” said Kairo.
Amahle Mbhele, a Grade 11 pupil at Adams College, was one of the young girls who said the camp had not just changed her, but she was hoping to share what she had learnt with other girls in her community.
“The important thing I learnt was about the power that we, as young people have. The mayor said we should not wait for men to do things for us, but we as women have the power to achieve so much in life,” she said.
In her community, she said, young girls gave their lives away to alcohol and older men. They ended up pregnant and dropped out of school.
“I believe that we need more events such as this one. I am going to be an ambassador for change in my community and advocate for young girls to be responsible now in order to have a bright future.”
Actress Nomzamo Mbatha and other local celebrities were there to motivate the young girls about the importance of being independent and planning for their futures.
Mbatha, originally of KwaMashu, related her story of how she started out as an actress.
“I know a lot of you want to be seen on TV. Let me tell you that it was not easy. First you need education. I got into acting because I wanted to raise money to finish my studies.
“I got more than I bargained for, but I still continued with my studies,” she said.
The girls were also involved in workout and information sessions which emphasised the importance of good health.
Various non-profit organisations made presentations on issues such as sex education and health.
Ntombenhle Lukhele of Melita, an organisation working with adolescents, presented a session on how to calculate a menstruation period, the different types of sanitary pads and correct ways of using them, HIV and Aids and how to support their friends living with the virus.
Slungile Mntambo, of the South African Positive Women Ambassadors, presented a sex education session which taught the girls about how their bodies worked and how to identify bodily changes.