Youth academy gives it another shot after being derailed by pandemic
● Developing youngsters a passion for Gqeberha pair
Two Gqeberha residents are determined to see the success of their modelling turned youth development academy which they started before the Covid-19 pandemic swooped in and derailed their plans.
Bethelsdorp’s Amber Blommetjie, 28, and Viv Gardner, 31, were forced to halt all activities last year just as their youth development academy, Next Development Academy, garnered interest and attracted more than 80 youngsters.
The two started the academy in 2017 with just six young people interested in developing their modelling skills and broadened it to provide vocal and drama training to youngsters from the age of five.
“When we started the academy we initially planned to focus on runway modelling, but then we discovered that we had some vocal talent among the young people we worked with,” Blommetjie said.
“More talents to nurture came to light as some of our models expressed interest in designing their own garments and started a recycling and design business under our umbrella.”
She said they held training sessions in the northern areas every second Saturday of the month.
“We had different segments where I would work with the younger models and he [Gardner] would work with the more senior ones,” she said.
Before the lockdown, Blommetjie and Gardner also provided the youngsters with access to social work services and introduced them to community work, while they polished their modelling, singing and acting skills.
After more than a year of inactivity, they are reviving the academy by inviting the youth to an open day at the West End Hall on April 24 where auditions will be held.
Blommetjie, a passionate youth development facilitator, and Gardner, a seasoned model, decided to join forces and use their knowledge and experience for the benefit of the community.
“We made contact five years ago and discovered that we shared the same passion for youth development.
“We discovered that some of the kids we were dealing with had been abused and bullied — that’s why we introduced the counselling aspect to our work and started inviting professionals to step in,” Blommetjie said.
The academy was well on its way to success when the pandemic hit, costing them sponsors and business partners, she said.
As they revive it, the academy welcomes youngsters from as young as five to their open day.
Previously dominated by youths from the northern areas, the academy is looking to expand to other areas of Gqeberha and Kariega.
“Everyone is welcome,” Blommetjie said.
“We are now starting over without sponsors because the pandemic hit a lot of our previous sponsors financially.
“We do welcome any sponsors.”
The open day will start at 11am.
Blommetjie said they also welcomed photographers looking to develop their portfolios.
For inquiries, contact Blommetjie on 083-767-0004 or 063416-1660.