Stanford’s youth and elderly residents enjoyed some special treats and activities during Youth Month.
In May, Anchelle Damon from Stanford organised a youth mentorship programme that was facilitated by three accredited individuals from PeaceJam South Africa.
On World Elder Abuse Awareness day (15 June), the Ikamva home-based carers assisted by checking senior citizens of the Volvertroue Service Centre’s blood pressure and sugar levels, and assisted with other health problems. The elderly were also treated to a footbath as well as tea, coffee and cake.
Youth Day, 16 June, was celebrated by paying tribute to those who had lost their lives in the fight for freedom, on the theme “Freedom of expression”.
On this day, people gathered at the Stanford Taxi Rank for a commemorative march through the streets.
“So many people turned up we had to move to the community hall because the hall we had booked for the event was too small,” said Damon. “We would like to thank the Area Manager, Kat Myburgh, and Councillor Dudley Coetzee for assisting us. The people danced, laughed and cheered. It melted my heart.”
“Meester Hansie”, J October, a well-known retired teacher, also shared his experience as a third-year student during the 1976 student uprising.
“It was indeed an honour to have heard him speak about his experience,” Damon said. “We salute you ‘Meester Hansie’. Thank you for your contribution towards the education of so many pupils living in and outside Stanford.”
She also thanked Rotary Stanford and Grootbos Foundation for their generous donations that ensured nobody left empty-handed and the Stanford CPF who provided food. “Thank you to all involved in making this an amazing and well spent day.”
Damon announced she and seven mentors would empower themselves with the necessary skills to help develop the youth in Stanford. Their target group would be the early school leavers and drop-outs. She added this was much-needed as the drop-out figure was astonishing.
“The children dropping out of school are getting younger each year, and it is devastating to realise that in a few years they will be adults who can’t read or write,” Damon pointed out.
“We need to do something about it and change the behaviour or mindset to ensure growth and positivity. We now need to sow positive seeds in our community. We are a very long way from where we want to be, but with the help of everyone around us we can make this as sustainable as we possibly can.”
The programmes will be coordinated by Damon, who announced that Stanford Rotary and CPF were among the stakeholders who would assist. Unemployed herself, she has called on businesses and organisations to assist in providing a stipend to the mentors, which will assist them with their work.
“To conclude Youth Month, we are planning a two-week holiday programme that includes a community clean-up, fun, sport, games, art and visual art,” Damon pleaded. “Any volunteer who feels they can contribute towards this can join us. Please support us and donate any amount or anything that we can use at the centre to create a safe space for Stanford’s most vulnerable.”
For any further information contact Damon on 063 662 0001 or damonanchelle@gmail.com.
