Camp for ‘Rising Heroes’

LEADING up to the 16 days of activism against gender violence, the Amy Foundation will host 86 young pupils on a three-day end-of-year camp in Stellenbosch from November 27.

The camp with pupils from Gugulethu and Bonteheuwel creates a diverse environment that fosters not only co-operation but new-found connections and friendships.

With this year’s theme, “Rising Heroes”, this camp was inspired by the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children campaign.

Amy Foundation Centre co-ordinator and camp programme director Liezel Solomons said: “One of our goals for this camp is to stop gender-based violence in its tracks by educating young boys on the importance of becoming active allies for women. We need to constantly educate and empower the youth in our after-school programmes and encourage them to become change agents. Change starts with this generation of young people.”

In addition to a variety of fun, team-building activities, the pupils will have the opportunity to explore many real issues such as gender-based violence, drug abuse and gangsterism.

Amy Foundation managing director Kevin Chaplin said this end-of-year camp was much greater than a threeday experience.

“In many ways, these children have not had the privilege of just being children. They have been forced to fight the odds with countless responsibilities and everyday pressures through navigating violence and poverty in their communities,” he said.

Chaplin said the camp provided an opportunity for these children to feel safe and happy and at the same time allows for open and honest dialogue.