City’s Metro Police youth camp moulds future leaders
2 September 2018
The group was joined on Friday by the City of Cape Town’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Alderman JP Smith.
‘Many of the young people come from very challenging situations where their daily struggles don’t allow them to see beyond their circumstances. These camps don’t only provide a break from their daily grind, but also challenge them to look to the future and think differently about their relationships and interactions with law enforcement.
‘For some, the camp has been life-changing as they walked in as troubled individuals and left with positive attitudes. Others have become leaders in our youth cadet programme and I am immensely proud of them, but also of our dedicated staff who make these camps happen,’ said Alderman Smith.
The youth camp programme was first introduced in 2013 as part of the department’s social crime prevention interventions. The department develops and funds the programme, and the Western Cape Education Department identifies participating schools.
The camps are also a recruitment tool for the department’s youth cadets. Learners who show the most improvement in behaviour and discipline after attending the camps are selected to register as youth cadets.
Other activities at the weekend camp included a team challenge where team spirit and teamwork were encouraged. Sessions on personal development and leadership were also held.
‘The different sessions and presentations aim to empower the learners with skills to help them change certain behaviors, attitudes, and to be inspired to reach for their dreams. It’s not an easy exercise to see outside of your situation, but with the right motivation and support the sky is the limit for these young leaders of tomorrow,’ said Alderman Smith.
The learners participated in physical training sessions and were given the opportunity to stage their teamwork abilities and provide feedback on the experience. Fun activities included a lip-sync battle and dance off.
This youth programme is in line with the City’s Organisational Development and Transformation Plan as a City that is responsive to the needs of its youth.
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