New drug town solution, could it work?
Edward van Schalkwyk believes he has the answer to ridding Krugersdorp of its drug pest.
Street Outreach and Prostitution Evangelism (Soape) could just be what Krugersdorp needs.
Soape is a programme started by Edward van Schalkwyk, a former cult member, as a solution to Krugersdorp’s drug problem.
Read: [VIDEO] Documentary shows Kdorp’s sad decline into drug hell
“We are about five people who take to the streets of Luipaardsvlei to help save the young girls,” Edward explained.
The young women, slaved into prostitution and more than likely drug addicts, are greeted with a simple “hello” every time Edward and his team are out and about.
“The goal is to get them to trust you,” he said.
Thereafter Edward and his team propose to help.
“We help them escape their situation by getting them into House Benjamin rehabilitation centre and trying to find them a training position at a company,” he explained.
Soape is a one-year rehabilitation programme in which the Turn To Eternal Life (TTEL) Ministries’ principles are followed. Edward also is the founder of TTEL.
“We already have had one success story. It took us six months to get her off the streets. We aim to provide a true safe haven for a lost soul. That is why it takes a while,” Edward said.
He said it saddens him that pimps provide protection and shelter for the girls and feed their dug sddictions to keep them working for them.
“Every morning girls are given heroin or another drug. The rest of the day they have to work for the rest of their fixes,” he said.
Soape soon will kick off in Hillbrow, another drugs and prostitution hub. There Edward will provide free workshops on what to look out for if you suspect your children are using drugs. Edward hopes the programme will become a national project with hundreds of volunteers.
“When a pimp sees a girl wants to leave, she is transferred to another town, which is why it is necessary for Soape to spread throughout the country. The rehabilitation process simply can continue.”
What to look out for if you suspect your child is using drugs:
• Behavioural changes
• Goods go missing from your home
• Hygiene is lacking and cleanliness decreases
• Objects such as needles, small pipes and bank bags are found in his or her room
Related articles:
• Rehabilitation and then what?
• [VIDEO] Documentary shows Kdorp’s sad decline into drug hell
• New drug hub: a community on its knees
