The gathering was opened with prayer as guests, dressed in their traditional attire, broke out in song.
Kabelo Manamela, chairperson of the Youth Desk (Dawn Park), welcomed guests and introduced the various organisations present, which included the CPF, Lovelife, FAMSA, VEC, Youth Desk and the Dawn Park Clinic.
“Let us honour our African heritage and show respect for all cultures, as that is how we were brought up; we were not taught to abuse substances, because substance abuse is an education barrier,” he said.
Acting secretary of the CPF Nhlanhla Dube also encouraged young people to take to the moral high ground.
“Just because you don’t work doesn’t mean you should indulge in activities such as crime and using your body for sexual favours in return for money,” she said.
Nomsa Mndi, a nurse at the Dawn Park Clinic, reminded guests of the youth-friendly service clinic that has been launched.
“We have collaborated with Lovelife to reach the youth and to address key issues; we care as a clinic and we are here to help,” she said.
Mamorena Liutloileng, a social worker for FAMSA East Rand, emphasised the challenges within families.
“There is something in the home that pushes a young person to look for love outside, resulting in teen pregnancy and substance abuse. This root cause must be identified and addressed,” she said.
Liutloileng encouraged families to adopt a policy of communication with family members, by listening and sharing information in an honest and open environment.
The Youth Desk also recently hosted a Heritage Day celebration, under the theme “Heritage against Crime” at Villa Lisa High School.
Grade eight and nine learners were addressed on substance abuse, and were also taught not to become participators in to xenophobic attacks.
