Former national soccer team player Danzyl Bruwer, on behalf of the Rejuvenation Youth Programme, paid a courtesy visit to the Rehoboth mayor’s office to invite the council on board in their efforts to create awareness of substance abuse through sports development programmes.
The visit sought to propose a collaboration between the Rehoboth Town Council, Rejuvenation Youth Programme and LifeLine/Childline, whose aim is to launch a 5-a-side Street Soccer Initiative that will kick off on 31 August.
The proposed initiative will combine the power of sports with vital educational messages to create a positive impact on the lives of young people, as substance abuse among the youth has become a critical issue in society, leading to negative consequences for individuals, families and communities.
“Engaging young people in sports and recreational activities can be an effective way to instil positive values and provide them with the support they need to make healthier life choices,” remarked Bruwer. The initiative will consist of a workshop, a peer mentorship programme and the actual community event of hosting a tournament that will promote teamwork, sportsmanship and a healthy lifestyle without drugs or alcohol.
Some of the objectives of this initiative include empowering youth with knowledge and skills to resist the temptation of substance use, and provide a safe and engaging environment for youth to participate in physical activities.
Town mayor Amanda Groenewaldt, who endorsed the programme on behalf of the Rehoboth Town Council, applauded the youth substance awareness initiative, and
described it as vital to combating the different social ills that plague the youth in Rehoboth.
“I am very happy that
household names like you still
place the value of social responsibility on a pedestal. The power of your noble work can prove that when people come together and care, change and betterment are on the horizon,” the mayor stated.
The street soccer tournament will be in collaboration with the RTC public relations office and the RTC Sports and Recreation Club. “It is our mandate to ensure an enabling environment for the betterment of the community we serve. We are standing ready to support initiatives aimed at socio-economic development, in particular youth programs. We trust that this initiative will open more doors for our residents to take ownership in combating substance abuse and crime in our town,” Desire Pieters said.
Residents with youth and sports development initiatives are encouraged to consult with public relations office administrator Ricardo Vries at rickypieters62@gmail.com.