THE youth of Whittlesea and its surrounding villages have found themselves a home away from home, after the establishment of the Youth Zone (YZ) at the 24-hour service Enoch Mgijima Community Health Service.
The health facility also roped in Walter Sisulu University, about 500m from the centre, while crafting the idea. The campus, which has a standing proposal for closure, has been referred to as a jewel by the local community.
Briefing the media on YZ, Nurse Nobathembu Fanta said the zone was meant to ensure that the youth were free to discuss their challenges.
“This is to influence change in these young people and it is part of moral regeneration. Here the youth are able to speak freely to the young nurses,” said Nurse Fanta.
“We have discovered challenges include bullying, sexually transmitted infections and sexual abuse especially by uncles at home.”
According to Fanta, the services are free of charge, with social workers and health practitioners on call on flexible hours and confidentiality is guaranteed.
One of WSU students who had been instrumental in the formation of the centre, Daliwonga Mbangi, said the Department of Health had trained those involved.
“We believe the introduction of this Zone will be pivotal in gaining the much needed participation of the youth in health programmes; specifically sexual health programmes that will significantly help curb the spread of HIV, STIs and promote family planning,” said Mbangi.
“We promised to be ambassadors of this Youth Zone, telling young persons who are willing to listen, to take full advantage of this wonderful space we have been given by the Department of Health.”
