Soccer and Environment Workshop for Youth in Manenberg Promotes Sustainable Development

This is one of many events which forms part of the Festival and which will enable organisations to showcase their activities and projects to their respective communities.

The Festival also provides an opportunity for organisations to learn and interact around various issues, promoting environmental, social and economic sustainability.

The details of the Manenberg Open Day are as follows:

Date: Saturday 28 October 2006
Time: 9:00 to 15:00
Venue: Silvertree Community Centre, Manenberg
Focus: Civil Society & Sustainable Development

Directions:
From the N2 turn into the M10 (Duinefontein Rd), direction Gugulethu/Heideveld; after passing GF Jooste Hospital look for Selfhelp Manenberg directional signs to the Manenberg People's Centre and then down the road to Silvertree. From Lansdowne Rd turn into Duinefontein Rd and look for Selfhelp Manenberg directional signs to the Manenberg Peoples Centre then down the road to Silvertree.

The LA21 Community Festival is one of the outcomes of a partnership which was established between the City of Cape Town and the City of Aachen in Germany in 2000, which promotes sustainable development and the principles of Local Agenda 21 (LA21). This is achieved through facilitating partnerships and partnership projects that improve environmental and socio-economic conditions, with a particular focus on poverty alleviation.

This year's Festival has been made possible through funding from the City of Cape Town's Environmental Resource Management, Town Planning and Arts and Culture Departments. Various internal and external partners have also participated in the events, including City Water Services in Atlantis, West Coast Environmental Centre, Elsies River Social and Welfare Association, Manyanani Peace Park in Khayelitsha, Selfhelp Manenberg and Youth Unlimited. Youth Unlimited is a partnership programme involving various NGOs working in the field of youth development that seeks to create synergy and thereby greater impact in their work.

Some of the activities in Manenberg are a guided cycle tour through the area, a workshop on 'soccer and the environment', a mini-soccer and netball tournament, mural painting, stalls and exhibitions, a BEN bicycle workshop and a raffle for a bicycle worth R1000.

The links between soccer and football as it is often called in South Africa, and the environment may seem remote, but there are definite connections.

The Environmental Resource Management Department of the City of Cape Town and Youth Unlimited have developed a simple and creative workshop to teach the message of sustainable development and the environment through the illustration and language that football offers. In this way football can be used as a tool for learning and communication well beyond the game itself.

Grace Stead, Local Agenda 21 Co-ordinator said: "The linkage created between soccer and environmental issues, given the current focus of the 2010 World Cup, is one that holds much potential and excitement in conveying an understanding of environment issues. Many young people are passionate about sport and it is central in their lives. In communicating with young people through what they enjoy doing, it is hoped that a new message will be accepted that the environment is just as important as sport is in their lives".

Ms Stead added: "Elements of football such as saving a goal can be equated to saving the environment. The captain on the field of play is a vital component to any game - this is the player that will lead by example and encourage others to play well. Likewise we need environmental leaders that will be an example to others as well as encourage others to live in a more sustainable way".

All media are welcome to attend.

Issued by:
Lisle Brown
Media Liaison Officer
Tel: 021 400 3065
Directorate: Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media queries:
Grace Stead
Local Agenda 21 Co-Ordinator
City of Cape Town
Cell: 084 77 086 25