Minister Marais commends empowering Youth Development Programmes on the ground | Western Cape Government

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Minister Marais commends empowering Youth Development Programmes on the ground

15 August 2019

Yesterday, 14 August 2019, Minister Anroux Marais engaged with youth development programmes creating a positive sense of belonging and sustainable empowerment as an alternate to the social ills plaguing the communities of Athlone, Bellville and the greater City of Cape Town.

Minister Marais met with the Athlone Young Poets and was happy to participate in one of their writing workshops at Belgravia High School yesterday afternoon.

The Athlone Young Poets are a group of young people: grades 10, 11 and 12 from Belgravia High School who, under the tutelage of Ms Toni Stuart and facilitated by educator: Mr Regan Ford, are aspiring young poets with a wealth of creative talent honed at the after school programme.

Minister Marais said, “It was a moving and powerful afternoon well spent with the young aspiring poets who are using written and spoken word as a tool for unpacking and expressing their individual and shared experiences. We thank Ms Stuart and Mr Ford for their selfless work with these learners as it undoubtedly promotes the sharing of personal, community and societal experiences to allow for the expression of values and morals that subsequently guide constructive social interactions.

We wish the group well as they now prepare for their very first public appearance in the coming months and wholeheartedly thank them for affording us the opportunity to participate in their inspirational writing workshop.

Thereafter Minister Marais visited Kinetic Cycling Club at the Bellville Velodrome and was warmly welcomed by Mr O’ryan Bruintjies: Club Chairperson, members of the executive, cyclists and their families.

Recognised as one of the best cycling clubs in the country, Kinetic has honed three African champions from grassroots development level to high performance international stages and increased participation despite the limited resources available.

It was particularly heart-warming to witness the proactive involvement of families as the young cyclists showcased their sporting talent and shared their experiences of participating in the constructive programmes on offer through the club.

During the visit, Minister Marais said, “We will make a concerted effort to collaboratively explore different avenues to facilitate greater support for youth development programmes through sporting participation, skills development and talent identification so to avail the necessary resources needed for the club to continue its life changing programmes through cycling”. 

Media Enquiries: 

Stacy McLean
Spokesperson for the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Anroux Marais
083 504 1171