An honest conversation with young boys seated next to a corner, at NY 47 in Gugulethu, has resulted in them going on an outing to the Cape Town Holocaust and Genocide Museum.
While many around the country celebrated Youth Day on Thursday 16 June 16 roaming the streets in their neighbourhoods, the young boys and girls between the ages of 13 and 16 were out and about learning new things at the museum.
The aim of the trip was to encourage them to keep up with their hopes and dreams while being motivated to be activists against injustice.
This was made possible by Gugulethu residents, Nokuzola Bikwana, Monica Selela, Nokuzola Gaika and Namhla Makhubalo.
Speaking to City Vision, Bikwana said youth in her area had nothing to do and no one to look up to. As a result, they end up wasting their time standing on street corners. They also grow up facing social challenges such as alcohol and drug abuse.
“So, we came together and decided to look at holidays, especially this June 16 and take these kids out where they can learn. Firstly, we wanted them to have conversations with themselves, about who they are and what they envisage in future,” she said.
So, an educational programme was set up with the museum where they spoke about their hopes and dreams.
Bikwana said the youth were excited about the trip and they hope they will live up to what they discussed on the day.
“I can tell you, some of them told us they don’t want to be their older brothers when they grow up. This outing also brought them together and now they know they come from one area,” said Bikwana.
She believes such outings help children to focus on their way of thinking and mindset.
Bikwana said the kids now know they have to have goals, and goals start by having something to do and look forward too.
They are planning to have soccer matches sometimes, to keep them busy and also target holidays such as the Heritage Day on Saturday 24 September.