Fun-filled Holiday Programmes at MOD Centres | Western Cape Government

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Fun-filled Holiday Programmes at MOD Centres

28 June 2013

Through sport, arts and recreational activities, the Western Cape Government offers young people a positive alternative to the threat of social ills during the winter school holiday.

Since Monday, 24 June 2013, hundreds of learners have been attending a holiday programme hosted by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS). The programme is supported by the Department of Social Development and the Western Cape Education Department.

Various activities are on offer at the DCAS Mass Participation, Opportunity and Access, Development and Growth (MOD) Centres in the Western Cape. The MOD Centre coaches are developing the talents and life-skills of participants to inspire them to become responsible individuals. They serve as role models to other young people in the community.

The head coach at Walter Teka Primary School in Nyanga, Dinah Zweni, a former Springbok women's rugby player, praised this initiative. “Youngsters are often vulnerable and get exposed to social problems during the holidays. This programme encourages them to participate and enjoy the activities as an alternative to crime, especially in a crime-affected community like Nyanga,” said Zweni.

The head coach at Cedar High School in Mitchells Plain, Nigel Carelse, said that many learners go away during the June holiday, but that the programme impacts positively on those who participate in the activities. “I would encourage youngsters to join this programme since they benefit from it in terms of their well-being, self-confidence, self-esteem and relationships,” he said.

Siphosethu Njova (10) from Nyanga, who enjoys playing table tennis, says that the programme adds meaning to his life this holiday. “I enjoy the activities and my parents know I’m safe while I play with my friends.”

Mr Patrick Steenkamp of DCAS Sport Development said that the programme promotes the MOD Centres and that the partners are working together to host a successful holiday programme, functioning as a catalyst for “social change” in communities across the province.

Media Enquiries: 

Daniel Johnson
Spokesperson for the Minister
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 3261
E-mail: Daniel.Johnson@westerncape.gov.za

or

Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877
E-mail: Tania.Colyn@westerncape.gov.za