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Newsletter #3

Taking Theatre to the villages

We had an opportunity to perform a play based on gender-based violence and drug abuse at Dikeledi Primary School, to raise awareness on the issue that exists in the society. “The play was good, however, the is so much room for improvement”, these are words that came from Obakeng Maimane, the writer and director of the play.

One of the highlights is that we got to invite the SAPS of Makapanstad village to talk to the kids at the school that we were performing to. This called for the Director of the play to improvise.

The director of the play, through his own creativity saw it fit that Mrs Manamela, the SAPS Sergeant, who represented Makapanstad’s SAPS and had come to offer her support, be included in the play. A scene was added whereby one sergeant subliminally talks to the audience, the kids, within the play.

Sgt. Manamela

Also, Maimane alluded, “so, the fourth wall was a little bit broken from the cast’s perspective, this was their first ever play and therefore they felt that the constructive criticism was a lot but they were eager to do more and take it day by day until they understand and fully connect to the play and their individual characters”.

However, the crew deserves the applaud for successfully showing up and pulling off a good show. The crew have learned and grown from this experience, as it was demonstrated on the next play that was done at Mmammudu Primary School.

An encouraging performance at Mmammudu Primary School

On the 22nd of March 2023. We performed for another local school called Mmammudu Primary School. The performance was so beautiful and flawless that the students and their teachers wanted more. It was encouraging, both schools, Mmammudu Primary School and Dikeledi Primary School, were given Certificate of Acknowledgement by us, to acknowledge their support for allowing us to come and perform for #TakeAChildToTheatre campaign.

Norh West Coordinator in the house!

The 14th of March was yet another special day because we were blessed with a Site visit by North West Co-ordinator Thapelo “Sista-Boss” Pule. It was a very fruitful site visit because we learnt a lot about facilitating and teaching strategies. We were exposed to what is a lesson plan and how its written and many more things we learned. Our leader, Tsholofelo Pitse, and Obakeng Maimane will be going to Rustenburg for a marketing and leadership workshop.

Having fun with kids

It has been so hot on this side of the earth that we concluded that we will take the kids for a swim on the 4th of March 2023. It went as planned, the kids enjoyed and we were able to give them all something to eat because they were bound to get tired. Looking at the videos and pictures below it shows that the kids were having fun.

One of our special kids, Onniele was nervous but he showed us something we least expected, he asked one of his friends to teach him how to swim, a few hours later he tried his best to swim. It was heart-warming to see how willing he was to try.

Onniele, one of our special kid

Onniele, assisted by friends

Onniele, assisted by a facilitator

Raising awareness for drug and substance abuse

It is no secret that our community is plagued by drugs and substance abuse and it is very prevalent amongst the youth. From the article on Consequences of youth substance abuse, "Substance abusing youth are at higher risk than non-users for mental health problems, including depression, conduct problems, personality disorders, suicidal thoughts, attempted suicide and suicide.

Substance use disorder as a recognised medical brain disorder refers to the use of illegal substances, such as marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine. Or the misuse of legal substances, such as alcohol, nicotine, or prescription medicines".

Therefore, as Tsholofelo Ya Sechaba Community Centre we will be partnering with SATFYF (South African Tobacco Free Youth Forum) to eradicate drug and substance abuse within our community by educating youth and children in organisations, schools and Churches.

“Research indicates that not all young people are equally vulnerable to substance abuse but rather the combination of risk factors coupled with a lack of protection against substance abuse that will determine how susceptible youths are experiment and ultimately becoming addicted to drugs and alcohol. Peer pressure is one of the major contributing factors to youth substance abuse. Adolescent are either forced, persuaded or pressured to try drugs or alcohol by their peers and, in many instances, deceived into believing that using is either not harmful or that there will be no repercussions in using.”