Representatives of Building Bridges, a violence-prevention mentoring programme, successfully hosted a celebratory hike of Constantia Nek on Saturday 6 December, providing children from challenging communities with a day of education, physical activity and safe exploration.

Children enjoying the hike of Constantia Nek.
Children enjoying the hike of Constantia Nek.

The initiative, led by programme representative Renรฉ Hendricks, saw the group trade the immediate risks of their home environments for the refreshing open air and rich history of the Constantia area.

“The reason for the hike was mainly to get the kids out of these dangerous communities,” she said. “But it was also to educate them about our culture.”

Building Bridges is actively working within the Helderberg area, running its impactful violence-prevention programme at two key local hubs, St John’s Anglican church and Sir Lowry’s Pass Library. It focuses on mentoring and constructive engagement to steer youth away from negative influences.

The outing served as an important component of this intervention strategy, emphasising holistic development beyond the classroom setting.

The children not only enjoyed the physical challenge and natural beauty of the hike, but also participated in a cultural outing. The group also visited the museum in Constantia Nek, offering a valuable opportunity for cultural education and awareness.

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