Women’s Month: MEC Fritz hosts 60 learners from Cape Flats schools

The Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD,) in partnership with Grandwest CSI, hosted 60 learners from Cape Flats schools for a dialogue session with top women achievers at the Grandwest Casino.

The event was part of Social Development MEC, Albert Fritz’s, ongoing Women’s Month commemorations. Learners engaged with a panel of leading women in society, including;

• Professor Linda De Vries (University of the Western Cape),
• Advocate Bonnie Currie (National Prosecuting Authority),
• Ms. Vicky Sampson (singer and songwriter),
• and Ms. Tarryn Tomlinson (renowned career and life coach).

The Grade 11 learners, mostly young women who are all top of their class, come from Mount View High School, Crystal High School, Simunye High School and Rosendaal High school. These schools are all in communities that are affected heavily by crime, gangsterism, poverty and substance abuse.

The purpose of the event was to link these young learners with role models who themselves grew up in communities on the Cape Flats, but who managed to overcome adversity and achieve great heights in their careers and personal lives.

The learners participated in psycho-social dialogue sessions exploring issues of self-esteem, resilience and gender relations. Social workers from the department were on hand to provide any counselling and support.

In his address to the learners, Minister Fritz stressed the importance of youth taking ownership of their life choices and using their opportunities: “Don’t let your current circumstances determine your future. As young people you need to take advantage of the opportunities available to you. We are playing our part by allocating R667-million in services to children and youth development this financial year”.

The Minister went on to thank the panellists and teachers who took time to join the learners. Special thanks must go to Grandwest CSI team for their collaboration on this project.