While many children across Nelson Mandela Bay spent the school holidays at home or playing in the streets, a group of youngsters in Bloemendal have been gaining life skills, safety training, and a renewed sense of hope — all thanks to a passionate community-driven initiative.
The Hope for Bloemendal Foundation launched the special holiday programme last week, aimed at providing a safe and enriching space for children during the winter break.
Hosted at Greenville Primary School, the programme kicked off on Wednesday with a packed schedule of activities, ranging from storytelling and colouring-in to interactive sessions with local authorities and animal experts.
“Our goal is simple,” the foundation’s chair, Abdullah Johaar said.
“We want to keep the children off the streets and pour something positive into their lives.
“They are our future.
“We just need to make time for them.”
On the Thursday, the initiative also welcomed a host of community partners, including the Metro Police, Bayworld, and the fire department, which joined forces to teach safety, resilience, and self-awareness.
Constable Migae November of the Metro Police didn’t mince his words about the importance of their mission.
“The aim is to empower the young ones on how to fend for themselves,” he said.
“The other day I saw a man try to pull two girls into a car — right here in this area.
“That’s why safety comes first.
“We want to teach these children how to protect themselves and be confident in their surroundings.”
From basic self-defence techniques to lessons in body language — “walk like a soldier”, as November put it — the children were encouraged to take ownership of their space, both physically and emotionally.
Bayworld staff provided a hands-on wildlife demonstration, bringing along a live snake to teach the children about local fauna and the importance of environmental awareness.
For many children in the area, such encounters are rare.
“Most can’t afford to go to Bayworld,” Johaar said.
“So we brought Bayworld to them.”
For 18-year-old Ashtinoque van Rooyen, the impact of such programmes is personal.
“I was eight when I joined a programme such as this one,” she said.
“It was the first time I rode a horse and explored new things. It really opened up my world.”
In addition to activities, the foundation provides meals for the children and a sense of structure during a time when many parents are at work and crime looms large outside.
“There are so many negative influences,” Johaar said.
“What our children need is positive role models, and for parents to take their place in the home and truly listen.”
On Mandela Day, the foundation continued to give back with a 67-minute school cleanup, encouraging community pride and participation.
As the programme continues to gain momentum, Johaar expressed deep gratitude to all involved.
“There is hope for our children,” he said.
“They just need someone to believe in them — and show them a better way.”
The Herald
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