Reaching troubled youth through arts
'What we're trying to get rid of is the poverty mentality.'
In a bid to keep children off the streets, a group of young people has started a media and entertainment organisation to impart their skills to others.
2keys Productions was started approximately six months ago by Vernon Dickson. It is currently registering as a non-profit organisation.
“We started 2keys Productions because we had a vision. The vision came from God. The vision is to help others, to use our skills to serve others,” Vernon said.
2keys Productions consists of but is not restricted to script writers, dancers, actors and DJs. These skilled professionals impart their skills to Toekomsrus’ youth in an effort to prevent them getting involved in unsavoury activities.
“What we’re trying to get rid of is the poverty mentality. Once you get rid of that, you open your mind and then you can do anything,” Vernon said.
At present, the organisation holds workshops for children and young adults daily, from Monday to Friday from 3pm to 5pm.
Their workshops are free of charge and are held in the Toekomsrus Community Hall. If they are unable to secure the hall, they move to the Toekomsrus park, where they hold open-air workshops.
While the initiative has so far run smoothly, Vernon said resources are one of their biggest challenges.
“We have all these ideas but we need funding and equipment to make them happen. We also want to be more established and let people know we’re around and that we are serious. When people see us carrying out equipment, they laugh at us and we want that to change,” he said.
Vernon said they have approached many companies as well as the Rand West City Local Municipality for sponsorships and funding but have not been successful as yet.
For more information about 2keys Productions, or to partner with them, contact Vernon on 073 535 1486.
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