HAVING worked with primary school pupils for over a decade, community worker S’mangele Myeza’s advice to the youth is to ‘choose the pain of discipline over the pain of regret’.
As a Community Development Project Facilitator for DramAideE (Drama in Aids Education), a non-governmental organisation situated at the University of Zululand, the 30-year-old promotes the Richards Bay Minerals funded project in primary schools in their four host communities – Mbonambi, Sokhulu, Dube and Mkhwanazi.
Focusing on HIV/AIDS awareness and education, sex education, peer group formation and mentoring, life skills training, counselling, drama training and health promotion, Myeza leads several programmes and campaigns in schools and is always on the ground creating awareness and sharing information.
‘I have a burning desire to empower the youth, especially young women, and to encourage them to explore and fully understand their potential and realise the importance of self development so they do not subject themselves to unhealthy relationships because they want to be provided for.
‘In my line of work, one is always exposed to prejudice, especially concerning HIV/Aids and sex education.
‘There were times when the purpose of this project was interrogated and misunderstood, but we worked collectively to address communities at platforms such as community meetings, events and local churches.
‘I have been offered an opportunity to be in the community, change lives and the success stories are evidence of our work in the community.
‘One has to think on one’s feet and not impose values and beliefs on beneficiaries.’
Over the years she has initiated several initiatives and introduced abstinence walks, soccer youth life skills training events, training with Ngwelezana Nursing College Students, the concept of sports over violence against women and children and parent workshops to close the gap between parents and children and discuss sex issues.
