Cape Town - Sunrise Youth Foundation in Lavender Hill has urged youngsters from the community to turn away from a life of gangsterism and violence by participating in their weekend cultural and educational programmes.
Founding member and chairperson Yaaseen Staggie said there were over 70 deaths in 2018 of innocent youth, breadwinners, elders and other law-abiding citizens, after which the community protested against the drug trade and gang war in the area.
In efforts to show the youth from Lavender Hill and surrounding areas a different reality, Staggie and his team established the Sunrise Youth Foundation during one of the worst gang wars he had ever seen.
The group hosts excursions, braai days, feeding schemes, archery adventures and programmes including fun games and interesting lectures from doctors and professors, encouraging youngsters to stay in school.
“Our greatest challenge has always been our lack of resources and financial limitations to do the great things we really want to do, such as buying a piece of land to open up an official centre and establish an ongoing feeding scheme with a constant supply of ingredients from those dedicated to the cause,” said Staggie.
The foundation’s latest venture will be the launch of its after-school programme, set to take place in January, to provide a safe social and learning environment for youngsters until their parents are able to collect them, while also offering various sports and cultural activities.
Staggie said the foundation was in need of a computer, printer, camera and other basic office necessities.
Anyone interested in donating towards the foundation and its after-school programme can contact the group on its Facebook page, Sunrise Youth Foundation, via email at yaaseenstaggie@gmail.com or on WhatsApp at +27 74 323 4714.
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