Lovelife is South Africa’s largest HIV-prevention initiative and works tirelessly to promote the health and social well-being of youths all over the country. In addition to HIV awareness and prevention programs, Lovelife works to develop the potential in young people through youth leadership and self motivation.
On the 24th of April 2012, Lovelife honoured Nyanganites with another exciting, interactive discussion session on common issues facing township youths. The discussion focused primarily on gangsterism and teenage pregnancy. The Lovelife team, headed by Andisiwe Wenanikicked off the session with a high energy ice-breaker, which set the tone for the animated discussion that was to follow.
Gangsterism is a major issue Ikamvanites face in their schools and communities and the learners were very candid in their contributions to the discussion.
Phelokazi Mpapama said:
‘’Gangs have members inside the school and if you talk about it inside the classroom, you become a target.’’
Whilst acknowledging that such challenges are real, the Lovelife team however led the learners into discovering and agreeing that they can fight back and take back some of the power that gangs have usurped in their community. The team pointed out that learners should work together to fight gangsters, since doing nothing is a way of enabling the situation
Nyanganites also had their own ideas on how the situation can be helped. Mzukisi Gwegwe had this to say
‘’The school governing body should work with the community to stand up against gangsterism.’’
This shows that our Nyanganites are thinking and willing to engage in such issues, and this is a huge part of what IY seeks to achieve with all its learners.
On teenage pregnancy, some learners pointed out that it would be helpful for youth they had frank and honest discussions about sex at home.
Zolela Jamba said the following:
‘’Teenage pregnancy happens because children do not get enough information about sex, from their homes’’
Nyanganites were challenged to take responsibility for their sexuality by educating themselves and engaging in safe sexual practices.
Once again, a great big thank you to Lovelife for engaging and empowering ourNyanganites with such valuable information.
Lloyd Lungu