‘The City of Cape Town’s facilities have put together hundreds of programmes to ensure no one is bored this holiday and to give parents peace of mind. It can be a stressful time for adults as their school-going children may not have anywhere to go during the summer holiday. With the extensive list of activities provided by the different City departments, parents can be at ease at work, knowing their children are kept busy and safe,’ said Mayor Alderman Dan Plato.

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'School holiday programmes are more than opportunities to keep children busy. While our facilities have risen to the occasion to make sure these events are fun and interactive, many of them have an educational and development aspect. They help to develop leadership, social and physical skills. Children also get to try new things and gain resilience, developing confidence and self-esteem,' said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Young holiday makers can choose from a range of indoor and outdoor activities at the City's recreation hubs, including presentations by the Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department which focus on anti-bullying and child safety.

​This holiday, the City's Arts and Culture Branch is offering a programme at a number of community centres with sessions that touch on wellbeing, visual and performing arts, photography and a showcase on the last day. Recreation and Parks has an action-packed line up to get youngsters off the couch and moving with swimming, dance, board games and hiking.

'Libraries will offer art and crafts, board games, skittles, jumping balls, hook ringboards, skipping rope, along with story-telling hours, indigenous games and movies. Holiday programmes are not just about colouring in. Some of the more serious sessions offered include a motivational talk on gender based violence, dealing with substance abuse and bullying, and fetal alcohol syndrome,' said Councillor Badroodien.

Parents and learners are encouraged to visit their recreation hubs or libraries to see what's on offer or visit the City's website.

'City staff go the extra mile to ensure programmes are fun, teach and develop leadership, educational awareness and personal development. Holiday programmes aim to keep children busy with positive activities so that they refrain from engaging in anti-social activities. I want to commend staff who pour their hearts and energy into an exhaustive list of activities which not only keep our children safe and busy, but also mean they get the opportunity to socialise and learn new skills,’ added Councillor Badroodien.

For a list of all the holiday programmes offered, please go to www.capetown.gov.za/holidayprogrammes.

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