New Life Centre for Girls children treated to fun day on Youth Day’s eve

Founder and director of Khopotso Nakin said she hopes the fun day event will now become an annual celebration which will help the centre raise funds.

June 26, 2024

Sphiwe Masilela 1 minute read

Centre secretary Mammeli Mohapeloa, director Khopotso Nakin, treasurer Sarah Katende and volunteer Bronwin Petersen. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Young girls from President-Park-based New Life Centre for Girls were treated to a successful fun day on June 15.

This happened at the centre premises where they enjoyed learning various dance moves, but not before some light exercise to get their blood pumping.

Refilwe Rakobela with Khopotso Nakin and Penny Mthalane. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

The girls orchestrated Sarafina’s Freedom is coming Tomorrow dance moves before entertaining those present with some amapiano dancing which got the crowd dancing along.

Of those attending, some were former girls who started their life journey at the centre and have made a name for themselves, and Vuyolwethu Sondlo from Supreme Queen Global Earth semi-finalist 2024.

Caroline Mphse, Malerato Pila from Rethabile Senior Citizens Club with Vuyo

Founder and director of the centre Khopotso Nakin said the purpose of the fun day was to celebrate Youth Day (June 16) and to also raise funds for the home while the children were having fun.

Also read: New Life Centre schoolgirls get prepared for future

Founder and director of the centre Khopotso Nakin with Masego Mthembu, Oratile Nakin and Tshegofasto Isaac. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“We also wanted to raise awareness and educate them about the importance of Youth Day. I think it went very well, our girls enjoyed themselves and they had fun, showcasing different dance styles including Sarafina’s dance. People who participated enjoyed themselves. The fundraising part for starters went well. People will know about the home,” said Nakin.

Young girls from the centre in action as they entertain attendees. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

She said this will now be an annual event and hopes next year they will have more games for people to play and have fun.

Midrand Lutheran Church and Presbytarian Church Tembisa members pose for a group picture. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

“And I further hope for attendance to improve, with more people coming to support our girls and the centre. I would love to extend my appreciation to every person who showed up at the event and all our supporters. May God bless you all,” added Nakin.

Tapiwa Chamisa, Noluthando Mlanke, Bronwin Petersen and Sarah Katende sell sweets at the centre. Photo: Sphiwe Masilela

Nelisiwe Kwinana, a former girl at the centre from 2010 to 2013 said, “When the girls were doing the Sarafina dance, I moved away because it reminded me of those days when I was still here. So I became a bit emotional and that’s why I moved away. I think the centre played a critical role in my upbringing to where I am today.”