LifeLine Vaal Triangle – Young Warriors of 2015
The Young Warrior Project, funded by the Department of Social Development began in 2010 with 40 grade 10 learners, a boy and girl from each of 20 schools from mainly disadvantaged areas. The purpose of the programme is to develop “wellness” peer educators or “change-agents”. The project begins with an intensive 5 day learning programme at a board and lodge venue; and then followed up with support and supervision meetings. There are now nearly 300 Young Warriors making a difference in their lives.
Once more, thanks to funding from the Department of Health and Social Development, a sixth intake took effect in December 2014, for the 2015 group. The group are now in grade 10.
On Sunday, 22 February 2015, the Young Warriors 2015 had their first supervision meeting. Arriving at the venue, the air was filled with excitement and anticipation while starting the day with coffee and sandwiches.
The theme for the day – YOUR HAPPINESS AND WELLNESS IS YOURS was the order of the day. We started the day by giving feedback about how we are, celebrating birthdays and doing work by contemplating and discussing the Young Warriors’ identity and culture.
At lunch time we were entertained by the Smuts Tenors. What an experience. These boys truly are blessed and gifted. Their confidence was evident in their mannerisms and the enjoyment one see in their performance, a testimony of following your dreams. The Smuts Tenors has a Young Warrior 2013 member. They enjoyed their first public appearance with us and have their next performance on 17 April 2015.
We were further blessed with guests who visited us – Joalta Wilkinson (Social Worker from LifeLine Vaal Bella Maria Shelter for abused woman), Sylvia and Michael Nyet (LifeLine Vaal Traingle), Educator from Residensia, Dumisani Tshabalala (Social Worker from the West Rand), Monica Schaller of General Smuts High and the Smuts Tenors.
Thank you Mr G for being dedicated to this project and making a difference in the Young Warriors lives. We appreciate you Mr George van Schalkwyk.
We look forward to the next Supervision Meeting and want to wish the Young Warriors well on their growth journey!