Spotlight on youth this June

12 June 2022

The City of Cape Town’s Community Services and Health Directorate will commemorate Youth Day, June 16, with a wide range of empowerment and information activities.

‘We recognise the role of the youth in our country’s history and pay tribute to the many lives lost in the pursuit of our freedom. By ensuring the next generation has the tools and skills they need, we honour those who have gone before,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

The wide range of youth centred activities offered this month include career talks, awareness programmes and a coding tournament.

‘I encourage our young people to grab hold of these opportunities to grow and learn. It’s a nod to the sacrifices of the youth who have gone before, and a chance to prepare for the future,’ said Councillor van der Ross.

A youth empowerment workshop took place at Bishop Lavis Library on 1 June, while several libraries will have youth displays.
                                                                                                             
Gugulethu Library will host an awareness programme on 17 June with the youth in Collaboration with Realistic, an NPO operating in Gugulethu.

The programme will focus on alcohol and substance abuse for teenagers and young adults, in addition to a tertiary education advisory and assistance session for Grade 8 learners.

The Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department (SDECD), as part of the City’s Transversal Youth Development Work Stream, will host a Coding 4 Youth Tournament on 15 June aimed at high school learners. The tournament is a one day engagement aimed at enhancing and introducing young people to coding.

A youth mental health dialogue will take place on 16 June which will offer participants the chance to engage in a healing circle, motivational talks, dialogue with various organisations specialising in mental health as well as art therapy. This intervention is aimed at youth groups in various communities between the ages of 18 –25 years old.

SDECD is also hosting an Open Mic Poetry Competition on 17 June which calls on youth from the ages of 14 – 35 to register and perform their own works based on the theme: What it is like being a young person in Cape Town. Auditions will start in the morning and the winners will be announced in the evening.

All three of the above events take place at the Banqueting Hall in the Cape Town Civic Centre, and for further information, call 021 444 0746.

The Recreation and Parks Department will host activities and games across all the districts.

One group will have an early start on a guided walk through Newlands Forest, while youth in Valhalla Park get ready for a dance competition.

There’s plenty to choose from for youth who enjoy sports such as netball, soccer and fitness sessions are planned at most recreation hubs. For those who prefer to be indoors, centres are equipped with board games and a performing arts workshop will be held at Eikendal Sports Complex in Kraaifontein.

For the full range of activities offered, please go to https://bit.ly/3NGHNEx.

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Published by:
City of Cape Town, Media Office