Power-Shift Holiday Programme in New Lentegeur kept more than 150 children entertained throughout the school holidays.
The programme ran from Monday July 17 to Friday July 21 at the Heath Park and Living Stones AOG church and was facilitated by community members Howlene Williams and Valda Phillips.
The youngsters engaged in various activities such as singing, dancing and competitions.
Every day of the week had a theme which included bullying, gangsterism, teenage pregnancy and water saving.
Ms Williams said they formed a “walking bus” in the morning, collecting children along the way to the venue. The children ate breakfast and lunch at the programme and participated in the different sessions.
“We have 20 volunteers who are from the community. They are the leaders and assist in a big way with the various programmes. They make sure that there is a drama skit for the specific themes so that our youngsters understand, mainly because we deal with different ages,” she said.
Ms Williams said the topics focused on were relevant, current and real in the community of Mitchell’s Plain.
“It is important that we create awareness about social ills. It is also great to see how they respond to topics like bullying and teenage pregnancy – we encourage discussions and most importantly empower and encourage them,” she said.
Levelle Nathan, from New Lentegeur, who is a teamleader at the programme said he enjoyed working with the children and didn’t mind spending his holiday at the club.
“Patience – that is all you need to be a leader at the club. I enjoy it thoroughly because it is interactive and fun. I feel blessed and will continue doing my bit for the community,” he said.