Visits by firefighters and the Metro Police’s dog and horse units were among the highlights of a school holiday programme in Strandfontein.
The programme, from Tuesday October 3 to Friday October 6, was organised by the Dolphin Block Watch with support from ward councillor Elton Jansen and various City departments.
“We wanted to keep the children busy over the holiday, but at the same time show them this is what Strandfontein can do with the support of parents and neighbours,” said coordinator Gaironesa Diedericks.
The fire truck and water tanker at the Kabeljou Park created a lot of excitement, and firefighter volunteer Abdud Dayyaan Erispe, 18, was part of crew that spoke to the children about fire safety.
Abdud Dayyaan said he had been inspired to be a firefighter after watching the TV series, Chicago Fire, and had done a job-shadowing stint at the Ottery fire station. He was 15 when he started volunteering with the fire department and a year later, he joined the City’s disaster risk management department as a volunteer.
“If I become a firefighter reservist or a volunteer, it is not for the money but because I will be helping people,” he said. “Many of these firefighters do it because they have a passion for it. The things you see are not easy. You are a rescuer, medically trained and trained for any eventuality.”
The Strandfontein High School matric hopes to study welding next year. “I want to be a firefighter and a welder in my spare time,” he said.
Outdoor Christmas shows