Windsor West Restoration Project’s very own Nerissa Mema has been awarded the Randburg Sun community hero of the month.
The project is based at 3 in 1 Spiritual Centre in Viscounts Avenue, and focuses on uplifting youth and those in need in the area, physically, academically and spiritually.
This campaign is brought to you by West Pack, and the chain store will give Mema a R1 000 voucher
Mema often fetches children from their homes when they cannot be dropped off, and with sporting codes opening and closing constantly, the project offers physical training on a regular basis to anyone in need.
Literature, colouring and reading classes are held every week, and a meditation coach helps youngsters deal with the social issues prevalent in the area, including drugs, unemployment, crime and alcohol abuse.
The youngsters are also taught about their rights in the Constitution and how to stand up for themselves.
The project mainly caters for children up to the age of 12, but there are a few youngsters older than that and Mema will not turn anyone away.
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“We want to create a space for children to play safely because it is not really safe out there on the roads,” she said.
“There are drugs around us, people driving around under the influence of drugs and alcohol as well. This area is supposed to be a medium populated area but we are getting a bit over-populated, because of peoples’ circumstances.
“They are now living in over-crowded apartments and it is getting rowdy. Our parks are not well maintained and children can’t go play there, and if they do go there are people lurking there doing drugs, drinking; the slides are broken. It is too dangerous to play there.”
The project also offers knitting and crocheting, and is looking for a piano teacher to give the children piano lessons.
Mema encouraged anyone with a skill, equipment or donation they want to share with the children, to contact her.
Details: Windsor West Restoration Project nerissafree18@gmail.com; 068 070 7725.
