KAYLYNN PALM
The Cape Town Drug Counselling Centre in Eastridge was given a facelift by a group of students from the Wolfert van Borselon University in Holland last week.
Director Ashley Potts said the upgrade was part of the university’s social outreach module. He said the students raised funds to come to Cape Town to volunteer at projects in need of assistance.
“I have been on the receiving end of their generosity this past week as they gave our centre a remarkable facelift. It was great to see residents getting involved to help with the upgrades. This showed that they appreciate what is being offered to them and for them,” he said.
Mr Potts said the upgrades included a community braai area and recreational space, where residents will also be able to watch netball and soccer games on the adjacent field.
“This field will soon also be re-surfaced by the City of Cape Town. The community can also use the space to play drafts and chess on the benches which have been built for them on the centre’s grounds.
“The students also upgraded the garage which will be used as an after-school homework room and pupils will be able to get assistance with basic education as volunteers from the community of Mitchell’s Plain will be tending to their scholistic needs in the afternoons,” he said.
The facility, in Civet Street, is an outpatient centre, that helps people and families with drug abuse problems. Mr Potts said that in an outpatient programme, people stay in their communities, integrated in their everyday activities, whereas inpatients remain at the facility.
“As an outpatient, you’re forced to deal with the situation ‘on your feet’. While you may receive support from family, friends and our staff, a large responsibility lies on your shoulders,” he said.
The centre sees on average 45 new clients each month who are taken through a screening process before admission to the six-week treatment programme, which is subsidised by the Department of Social Development.
* If you would like to get involved in helping pupils with reading, maths, and science, call Ashley Potts on 021 397 0103 or 082 887 6440 or email ashley@drug centre.org.za
