THE local Department of Social Development has embarked on an outreach programme targeting children on the streets of Graaff-Reinet.
The number of children on the streets is increasing and presents a problem to the town’s tourism prospects as they are associated with a number of misdemeanours, including crime as well as drug and substance abuse.
The department has started on a campaign to robustly engage them by rolling out various self empowerment and development programmes with the aim of changing the attitudes and behaviour of the children.
It was started in July with the roll-out of various intervention programmes that included a street kids dialogue facilitated by assistant probation officer, Samuel Bantom.
“The outreach programme is yielding positive results as the kids have opened up and have indicated that they want to turn things around.”
Among the challenges facing the children are neglect, physical and sexual abuse, and absent parents. As a result, they resolve to go and stay on the streets.
The department has thus far adopted a holistic approach in implementing the programme. They are partnering with the local SAPS and community policing forums in the town.
When approached for comment, one of the children, who has been on the street for 13 years, said, “We are really happy for the programme as it shows us that there is still hope for us. I enjoy the programmes and would like to invite some of our friends in the streets to join us as there is still hope.”
The department will be hosting a similar event this coming Friday and would like to invite role players interested in participating to contact Samuel Bantom at 049 892 2158 for more info.