BY ROXXANNE PRETORIUS
On Friday 4 November it was a proud moment for the 2016 Nicro Safety ambassadors Programme Graduates of Proteus Secondary School. They received their certificates of completion at an event held at the Protea Park Primary Hall upon completion of the two year Effective Crime Prevention programme.
The overall goal of the initiative is to reduce the risk factors in order to prevent anti-social behaviour, victimization, crime and violence at participating schools the community at large.
Guest speakers at the prestigious event included ward councillor Barbara Rass, Sergeant Abrahams of the Atlantis SAPS and Michael Abrahams, a Prison Minister who is also involved in numerous youth programs in Cape Town. “Just remember one thing; in life you have the power to change everything. You are the only one who can decide your future. Make the right choice!”, said Abrahams, encouraging the learners.
During the first year of the programme educators along with students attend training workshops and receive advice and support to develop the capacity of the institution to manage behavioural problems, crime and violence at the school. The second year focuses intensely on community and educational based activities and projects. The new competencies acquired during the program are knowledge on substance abuse and addiction, gang prevention, bullying and gender-based victimization. The programme also encourages team-work, planning, decision making and self-reflection. All of these actions in turn leads to better behavioural and attitudes towards their peers and community as a whole.
“Although it may not be easy to see, every accomplishment you achieve is added to the world’s accomplishments. Your individual successes benefit society as a whole because when you succeed, you lighten the burden on your fellow man. When you succeed, you are in a position to give rather than take. You’re going to advance in life by what you’re going to learn after you leave here”, said Jamilla de Jongh, one of the programme implementers.
