In partnership with Alexandra 4th Avenue Clinic, Lehae La Alex has recently launched a programme designed to develop youth skills and advance health education.
The first skills development session took place at the clinic on August 27. It was specially designed for teenagers who have dropped out of school as well as teenage mothers as they set out on their first journey towards a ‘bright future.’
Sharon Lefkowitz, from Wendywood and Morningside Manor Community Action Network, led the first session and taught the eight young girls who attended about structures of thinking that can help rebuild their lives after they hit rock bottom. The programme caters to both genders, but attendance varies depending on the focus of the session.
The network supports various orphanages in the Alexandra and Marlboro Gardens area with donations such as food, soup, sandwiches, clothes, educational items, books, and toys.
Legae La Alex is a registered non-profit organisation that has been operating for over a year, creating awareness about social ills around the community of Alexandra, cleaning the streets, and educating the youth about drug abuse as well as women and child abuse. Secretary of the organisation and coordinator of the youth programme Portia Ramaloko said the programme seeks to rebuild the lives of young people and create a better future for them and those around them.
Ramaloko said the young girls enjoyed the first session and were looking forward to the next one. “For young people, this programme is very important, as it allows them to be involved in something positive and useful in the community as a whole,” she said.
Ramaloko also shared what she learned from the session as a coordinator, “I learned that one should think beyond the challenges around them and create opportunities from them.”
She added that they will be hosting more sessions in the next coming weeks. The second session took place on September 3 at Alex 4th Avenue Clinic.
