Representatives from NPOs and law enforcement visited Eden Park Secondary School on February 18 to speak to the school’s Grade Eight learners.
Speakers from the various organisations addressed the learners on the dangers of engaging in bad practices, especially drugs and sexual offences, and the effect these behaviours can have on their lives and future.
Mechandro Swarts from Bereshith and Donovan Minnie from Men or War, two organisations that consist of recovered addicts who want to assist others who are struggling with substance abuse, addressed the learners on the extreme danger drugs can hold for your life.
They advised the learners to keep away from all addictive substances, drugs, cigarettes and alcohol, as they can lead you to become dependent and lose all drive and potential.
Phumeza Sikithi, a social worker from Ekopholeni Mental Health and Trauma Centre, spoke to the learners about reaching out if they are a victim or know someone who is a victim of abuse. She told the learners if they feel unable to speak to their parents or family, they should speak to their teachers or school council.
Sgt Maddi Badi from Eden Park SAPS Social Crime Prevention spoke to the learners about respect for their elders and the law.
Badi told the learners they need to be considerate with their actions, taking care to stick to the sidewalks, as the officers at the station which is near the school have noticed the learners loitering in the streets. She warned them that if they disregard the law, officers will arrest them and they will be prosecuted.
Advocate Julius Sali, a prosecutor working at Palm Ridge Magistrate’s Court, warned the learners no quarter will be given to anyone that commits sexual offences, regardless of their age.
He told the learners not to share any explicit photographs and asked the girls to respect their bodies and not let themselves be exploited. He also warned the learners that while dagga might be legal for private use by adults, it isn’t legal for use by children.
