Bethelsdorp women tackle problems in their community

Being cognisant of social ills was simply not enough for a group of women from Bethelsdorp who recently opted to take action to effect tangible change in their community.

The Bethelsdorp Precinct Women Local Organising Committee is homing  in on young women and teenagers in the area with the aim of educating, empowering and encouraging them through education and skills development.

Celestine van Vuuren, chair of the group, said the main aim was to empower the community through education and reigniting the bonds between family members.

“Our people perish because of a lack of knowledge,” Van Vuuren said.

“Many of them are not up to speed with what is happening in the community.

“The abuse of pills is a major problem among the women of the northerns.

“They use it as an escape from the dire situations they find themselves in.

“Young boys and girls think it is cool to smoke zol but the big problem starts there.”

Another member of the group, Sophronia Bashella, said parents also played a part and must monitor their children closely for signs of depression, abuse and other issues.

“Our next project is to reach out to schools,” she said.

“Patience is needed with these kids. The things that come out of their mouths leaves us speechless.

“You will be in tears when you speak to them. They don’t have confidence to speak out.

“Therefore much care is needed when approaching them.”

According to Chantell Felix,  giving children tough love was not always the solution.

“There is a voice in every so-called problem child that is crying out for help. We want to be there for the kids in every small way that we can.

“We had two programmes last year. The first was in September and the theme was ‘My life my choice.’

“The second one was in October and the theme was, ‘Do u know my pain.’

“We concentrated on the five types of abuse, namely sexual, physical, financial, mental and emotional.

“There is so much pain in our society and we need more hands on deck to tackle the problems,” Felix said.

The group also thanked  Colonel Raquel Paulsen of the Metro Police and Colonel John Perils of Bethelsdorp SAPS for assisting and guiding them.

The Herald