Building bridges and fostering social cohesion among youth

Following the devastation of the July 2021 unrest, Global Health for Social Change Network (GH4SCN) has taken on the challenge to build bridges and foster social cohesion among the youth.

GH4SCN recently hosted a social cohesion get together with learners from grades 9, 10 and 11 of Esther Payne Smith, Kharina, Silver Heights and Woodlands secondary schools.

The objective of the gathering was to create a platform for the youth to express their feelings and to engage in meaningful dialogue in a nonthreatening manner, using the theme of health, fitness and sport as the common denominator.

The well-attended event focused on current issues like Tiktok, the shortage of educators in schools, favouritism, access to resources, career options, mental well-being, learners’ rights, parental relationships, women empowerment and access to health, fitness and sport.

The response of the learners to these issues was quite revealing and insightful. Learners articulated the view that they were using Tiktok as a means to express their rebellion against adults who are seen to misunderstand and misrepresent them.

On the school issues, learners decried the shortage of educators and resources such as libraries and sporting facilities, stating that this impacts negatively on the culture of teaching and learning. Learners also highlighted that educators tend to favour brighter learners.

With regard to career options, learners said that there was a need for more options in the subject packages offered at Grade 10 level. A wider subject choice would equip them with the necessary skills so that they could gain meaningful employment after leaving school.

Although the Representative Council of Learners (RCL) was recognised by the learners as a legislated requirement at school, they said they had no faith in this body.

They named other challenges affecting their mental well-being as peer pressure, depression, bullying, gender-based violence, teenage pregnancy, racism and abortion. Learners felt that they receive little or no support to cope with these issues. Furthermore, in many cases, learners have to be parents themselves in child-headed families.

On the topic of women empowerment and rights, learners expressed the view that very little is available to them to enjoy and celebrate their femininity, while also criticising the lack of safe hubs for them to connect as young people.

To conclude a fruitful day, learners requested more dialogue sessions to take place, saying it was the first time they were given the opportunity to engage in a structured facilitation session they understood, enjoyed and valued. They also appreciated the fact that they were allowed to contribute to the items on the agenda.

The Esther Payne Smith boys’ pledge aptly summarised the objective of the day: “We are willing to make a change in our behaviour and attitude towards our elderly and teachers of the school.”

Young people are encouraged to communicate with GH4SCN via Whatsapp on 072 2300 419.