Download PDFThe school holiday program, hosted by Entokozweni, took place on 2, 3, and 4 April at Khululekani Primary School in Swaneville, Kagiso. Themed “Keeping children safe and educating them on HIV and AIDS and other social illnesses affecting them in the community,” the program aimed to provide important tools and information to children aged 7–17 years to empower them. It was designed to address the specific needs of children in the Swaneville, Kagiso community, where challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education and healthcare are prevalent.
Over the course of three days, children gathered at Khululekani Primary School, located on 793 Flamingo Street in Swaneville. The program created a safe and supportive environment where children could learn about social issues affecting their community. The facilitators used interactive methods such as games, role-playing, and group discussions to present the information in a way that was engaging and easy to understand. The children were encouraged to ask questions and share their feelings, which helped build a sense of trust and openness.
The program’s goal was to equip children with the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions about their lives. By focusing on HIV and AIDS, as well as other social illnesses, Entokozweni aimed to help children take control of their health and well-being. The program also provided meals for those who attended and covered important topics like child rights, abuse prevention, and healthy relationships, offering a broad understanding of their rights and responsibilities. Facilitators were trained to manage sensitive topics with care and compassion to ensure all children felt supported and safe.
On Friday, a soup kitchen sponsored by Shoprite made a special visit to the program. They provided warm soup for the children, as it was raining. This generous gesture brought smiles to the children’s faces and demonstrated the community’s support for the initiative. The children appreciated the warm meal and the kindness shown by the visiting soup kitchen.
Tshepo Hlalele, a resident and member of Entokozweni, shared his experience, expressing pride in being part of the program. He said it was incredible to witness the children learning and growing, and to know that they were making a positive difference in the community. Hlalele also mentioned that he has been involved with Entokozweni for over a year and has seen the significant impact it has had on young lives.
Nthabiseng Molefe, 28, a resident and mother of a participant, expressed gratitude for organisations like Entokozweni. She said her daughter had a great time, playing games and enjoying good food, and that the program left a meaningful impression.
Anna Tau, project manager and resident, also expressed pride in the program’s success. She said her love for children and her passion for giving back to the community inspired her and her team to host the program. She looks forward to doing it again when schools close next.
The Swaneville, Kagiso community was proud of the efforts made by Entokozweni and its partners. The children left the program more confident and better informed about their rights—ready to create positive change. Entokozweni’s work remains a strong example of commitment to building a brighter future for all.
This article was submitted on 10 April 2025. You may republish this article, so long as you credit the authors and Karibu! Online (www.Karibu.org.za), and do not change the text. Please include a link back to the original article.
