Springs Clinic launches youth zone – a health initiative for the youth of Springs
To be young is to be alive, alert, and enthusiastic.
The Springs Clinic, in conjunction with the Department of Health and Social Development, Soul City, Love Life and the Aurum Institute, launched an initiative called Youth Zone on Friday.
Learners from Olympia School, Eureka High School and Laerskool Werda attended the launch.
The Youth Zone is a youth desk at the clinic that focuses on health issues and concerns for youths aged between 10 and 24.
It concentrates on educational information, guidance and the administering of treatment in a safe and relatable environment where young people can feel safe and welcome.
Clinic Manager Sister Fikile Sukazi opened the programme with words of motivation for the learners and others in attendance.
“Our young people need friendly services away from the spaces and the faces where they might feel judged, so we have started this initiative for you.
“I know it might seem daunting, but anyone who needs our services and is between the ages of 10 and 24 should come to us for help,” said Sukazi
She added that there is a designated and specially trained nurse who will deal with the youth.
“Feel free to arrive in your school uniforms so you may be identified and dealt with as soon as possible,” she stated.
Nonhlanhla Mashiyane, Miss Ore Incarnate 2022/23, from Tsakani, gave the audience words of wisdom as a fellow youth and pageant winner.
“It is important to know how to prevent life-threatening illnesses by taking these important precautionary steps to save your lives.
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“To be aware and to make the upcoming generations aware that these services are available to them is the first step in working together as a community, a town and a country.
“We need to be united to find solutions,” she said.
Bella Molela from the Department of Labour addressed the learners on their life choices and futures.
“We take registrations for the youth from the ages of 17, and, in January, we have programmes to assist young people on how to further their studies.
“We also assist with career guidance, interview preparations, the writing of CVs and job seeking,” she remarked.
She gave them a stern warning about their careers and how their career paths were for them to choose.
“Ensure your parents don’t impose careers on you. Seek help if you feel lost. We have professionals who will guide you in making the right choice,” emphasised Molela.
She ended by encouraging them as she referred to them as the leaders of tomorrow.
“Your future is bright. You need to dedicate yourself to a lot of things and explore, minimise social media and participate in a lot of sports because they are fun and good for your health,” she declared.
The Youth Zone is operational. These are the services offered:
• Sexual and reproductive health.
• Pregnancy support.
• HIV services.
• Assistance with problems such as obesity and addiction.
• Violence and sexual assault.
• Healthy lifestyle.
• Injuries and minor ailments.
• Immunisation.
