Learners from Portavue Primary School in Manenberg were inspired by the visit of two police officers from the Manenberg Police Station.
They visited the school on Tuesday 12 August and encouraged the learners to make better choices for their future.
Const Zakkie Julius and Sgt Percy Keysters led the outreach, spreading a powerful message about the vast career opportunities available in the police and told learners about the importance of furthering their studies.
“Earlier this month we held a career exhibition in the hall at Phoenix High School, where Grade 11 and Grade 12 learners from five schools in the area could interact with exhibiters about tertiary education and careers in general,” said Capt Ian Bennett, spokesperson for the station.
“We at Manenberg Police Station are actively working to change the face of the community by empowering children and offering them positive alternatives to a life of crime through a continuous career guidance programme.”
Julius and Keysters emphasised the need for children to aim high to ensure success, highlighting how they can change the face of Manenberg with positive contributions within their reach.
In their speeches to the learners they said they needed the community of Manenberg on board with them to have an active paradigm shift.
Their underlying message was to spread positivity, cut negativity such as gang violence and substance abuse.
“Engaging with the youth in Manenberg is a cornerstone of the strategy of the police to combat gang violence by addressing its root causes and providing children with a clear and hopeful career path for the future,” Bennett said. “By also providing them with positive role models and clear guidance the police can build a stronger, safer and more successful community.
“Manenberg Police Station would like to continue to encourage the community and all stakeholders to join and strengthen this partnership in an effort to spread positivity and create an environment by empowerment of our youth.”
