Boksburg Correctional Services, SAPS empower girl learners
The hall was packed with an eager audience, including female wardens, social workers from the Department of Social Development, Reiger Park SAPS female officers, CPF Women’s Desk, Arise Group and probationers.
Empowering communities through dialogue, the Boksburg Correctional Services, in partnership with the Reiger Park SAPS, reached out to girl learners from Oosrand and Reiger Park secondary schools.
The girls were encouraged to be the best they can be. The event took place at the Reiger Park Civic Centre on August 28.
Learners listened attentively to speakers who motivated them to stay in school and to make something out of their lives.
Sello Modise, Boksburg Correctional Services spokesperson, said: “In line with celebrating Women’s Month, we felt it was necessary to focus on girl learners, enlightening them about different careers within the department and letting them know that crime doesn’t pay.”
Reiger Park SAPS spokesperson Jan Mokwana said they prioritised the two schools because of recent incidents of fighting and gangs involving girl learners.
“In our efforts to curbing such incidents of violence, we hope through lecturing and motivation to provide guidance for a better future,” Mokwana said.
Learners’ emotions were triggered when probationer Bianca Nortjé shared her moving story of how she ended up in prison.
Speaking to learners, social worker Joanna Mothibi advised learners to abstain from sex until the time is right.
“There are many consequences of having sex while still young, one is teenage pregnancy. Young people end up dropping out of school because they have to take care of their children.
“They jump from being teenagers to adults without even fully developing emotionally. Everyone is special so it is important for everyone to stay in school in order to have bright futures,” Mothibi said.
Ladi Kekana, Boksburg Correctional Services area coordinator of corporate services, encouraged learners to know who they are and concentrate on their studies to become better individuals in the future.
“It is not where you come from that determines your future but it’s your dream, vision and hunger to succeed. Education is the best weapon one can have and no one can take that away from you.
“Our vision is for a safer South Africa, but it starts with young people at school by making the right decisions and having a positive attitude,” Kekana said.
Members from the social development department highlighted their services, as well as bursary and career opportunities within the department.
Reiger Park Secondary School Grade 10 learner Vinash-Lee Teis said she felt inspired and motivated to be the best in her community and school.
“I learned I should respect myself and know my worth. I also learned I must love myself and put myself first in everything,” Teis said.
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