Learners at Silverton Hoërskool educated on the dangers of illegal substances
The gathering held on Saturday June 15 invited boy learners along with their parents, preferably fathers, uncles, and other male role models, to engage in discussions to build the boy learners to be responsible men.
Hoërskool Silverton hosted a significant event titled “Boys2Men”, initiated and led by the School Governing Body (SGB), to discuss issues related to Gender-Based Violence (GBV), substance abuse, hygiene, nutrition and healthcare.
The gathering held on Saturday, June 15 invited boy learners along with their parents, preferably fathers, uncles, and other male role models, to engage in discussions to build the boy learners into responsible men.
According to the SGB, the call-out to the fathers and sons gathering was a response to a concern from the school disciplinary committee.
The committee picked up a trend in disciplinary hearing, 10 in the first two terms of the year and eight connected to illegal substances, either use or peddling (selling) on school premises.
“Parents, we are really concerned, we are close to having a pandemic of issues related to illegal substances, if our learners aren’t smoked up they are either caught selling illegal substances, and these range from weed, pills we can’t identify to space cookies (dagga laced cookies),” said SGB chairperson Collin Damans.
Damans said the impact of these substance issues is the constant disruption of classes, fights among learners and odd behaviour from the learners.
“If the learners take their hits in the morning before school, can you imagine what happens to them by the third period?” asked Damans.
“It is out of this concern that the SGB thought of having an intervention made where they can have parents and learners involved in conversation of bringing awareness of the dangers and impact of substance abuse.”
The programme was informative at Mamelodi-based foundation Thandanani Drop Inn Centre, and founder Thabo Kgotsi gave a heart-warming speech and shared how the 11-year old foundation started as a response by the youth to socials ills affecting Mamelodi residents.
Kgotsi said they have a Narcotics Anonymous programme aimed at helping ex-drug users reclaim their lives from drugs.
“The ex-users who have decided to take this step are assisted at the centre, and more addicts are encouraged to join.”
Kgotsi said they – the more than 30 staffers – are doing their bit to intervene and can only soar higher.
“Their impact is visible throughout Mamelodi as they are the go-to hub for most of the socials ills in the community.”
Kgotsi advised people to come to the centre if they need help with someone taking drugs.
Internationally acclaimed ICAN 4IR (previously ICAN Foundation) was represented by top motivational speakers Sibusiso Khumalo and Jabulani Maseko.
The foundation delivered an excellent motivational speech and discussed financial literacy, including trading and financial management, which was highly informative and inspiring to the attendees.
After the speeches, five learners from each grade were put in the spotlight, sharing their highlights and expressed a desire for more such events and their peers attending them in greater numbers.
The event concluded with a friendly soccer match, featuring teams composed of parents, guardians, learners, and staff from Hoërskool Silverton.
Damans said this activity fostered a sense of community and unity, providing a joyful and active end to a day of meaningful discussions and learning.
He extended thanks to all stakeholders and attendees.
“Your dedication and hard work were instrumental in making the day a success.The event have achieved its goal of addressing critical issues affecting young boys and fostering a supportive community environment. The insights shared, the stories told, and the connections made during this event will undoubtedly have a lasting positive impact on all who attended,” he said.
Also read: SARS tax season: Everything you should know
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
