Cape Town: Youngsters of the City joined the Community Service and Health Directorate and celebrated Youth Day with a variety of events that aimed at having fun as well as empowering and uplifting them.
Reportedly, in the latest event held, the City Health put youth in the spotlight at its Sarepta Clinic. The event centred on youth health and well-being and the services on offer for young people in the public health sector.
Various stakeholders exhibited career opportunities and included the Expanded Public Works Programme of the city, Fire & Rescue Service, City Health’s Matrix service, City Health Pharmacy service, City libraries, the Traffic Service, the South African Police Service, KeReady, D Health Projects, Coin Care, Graceful Care Unlimited the Bet-El School of Skills and ANOVA.
As per the sources, 80 young people participated on Saturday, June 15 in a youth dialogue at the Cape Town Civic Centre with the topics such as youth unemployment, substance abuse and drugs, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy and cyberbullying taking the centre stage.
Furthermore, the Recreation and Parks Department hosted two dynamic Youth Day events this weekend and brought together hundreds of young people for a celebration of sport and recreation.
However, the Malibu Sport Field hosted a youth sports tournament on June 16, 2024 which featured netball and soccer. The event was supported by Ward 108 and 114 councillors through their ward allocations with five netball clubs and 16 soccer clubs who participated in the tournament.
The festivities continued on June 17 also at the Sir Lowry’s Pass Sport Ground and Community Hall, where around 200 youngsters kicked off the day with a fun walk. The event feature vibrant performances from dance groups and a variety of recreational games.
Considering this, Member of the Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health – Councillor Patricia Van der Ross said that the event gave the youth an opportunity to have conversations about challenging topics and the world around them.
She expressed as adults they need to include the youth on these conversations as it impacts them as well. They are creating spaces for them to engage and talk with their peers effectively and across various cultural and religious contexts.
Notably, this gives them an opportunity to have a dialogue with others in a positive, civil manner and discuss not only how it affects them but also some possible solutions.
Councillor Ross added to her statement that these events are important for developing and promoting sports among the youth, by providing both young men and women with a chance to get out, be healthy and thrive more.
This encouraged the physical activity, whilst fostering a sense of community and teamwork among the youngsters. She explained that they are proud to see such enthusiastic participation and support from the local communities.