Laughter, learning and community pride filled in Drieziek 4 as the Ntsele Foundation hosted a School Holiday Programme aimed at keeping children and young people positively engaged during the school break.
The programme brought together young people, senior citizens, volunteers, local residents and partner organisations for a day of games, educational activities, anti-drug awareness and community-building. It was hosted by Ntsele Foundation in partnership with SANCA – KE MOJA, the Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Provincial Library Services, Recreation Central Corridor, Kids Kos, volunteers and members of the local community.
According to the foundation, the purpose of the games was to reclaim the streets from drugs by creating a safe and positive space where children could play, learn and be encouraged. Through sporting activities, teamwork and educational sessions such as the Spelling Bee, the programme gave young people an alternative to negative influences while promoting discipline, confidence and healthy competition.
SANCA – KE MOJA added a powerful message to the day with its anti-drug awareness campaign under the theme, “We say NO to drugs.” Ntsele Foundation said this message was important as many young people continue to face social challenges that threaten their future.
“The Ntsele Foundation would like to sincerely thank the community of Ward 4, especially the residents of Block 7 in Drieziek Extension 4, for supporting our recent School Holiday Programme. We could not have done it without you,” the foundation said.
The foundation also thanked all participants, saying the energy and enthusiasm shown by both young people and senior citizens made the programme worthwhile. It said it hopes to host similar programmes every school holiday to continue giving children meaningful activities and positive role models.
The Gauteng Department of Sports, Arts, Culture and Recreation was praised for providing referees, equipment and educational activities, which helped make the games and learning sessions a success.
The foundation said sustainability is important Provincial library services programs such as Spelling Bee, 3 letter word for ECD , word ruffle, born to read and youth summit have disappeared despites their importance in shaping young lives and promoting a culture of reading in neglected townships.
The foundation also expressed heartfelt appreciation to Kids Kos, volunteers, churches, tuck shops, local businesses and residents who contributed food, chairs, tables, pots, stoves, financial support and helping hands.
“Words cannot fully express our gratitude for your generosity, commitment and willingness to serve. Your contributions mean the world to the people we serve and continue to inspire us to work towards building stronger, healthier and more hopeful communities,” the foundation said.
Ntsele Foundation said the success of the programme proved that when communities, organisations and government departments work together, they can create safe spaces where children are protected, inspired and given a chance to thrive.
