Twenty-two boys from Saldanha were put through their paces and equipped with skills during a HERO Bootcamp.
It was hosted at the Military Academy from 29 September to 1 October.
The camp focused on enhancing psychological capital through strenuous physical training and emotional and spiritual development over the three days. The camp started with 24 boys but not all completed the weekend activities. The boys, aged between 16 and 18, who finished the camp felt a great sense of accomplishment.
“We are proud of these boys, who can now act as mentors in their community by teaching other boys what they learnt over the weekend,” Dr Yolandi-Eloïse Fontaine, lecturer at the Academy, pointed out.
She and her colleagues from the military-support staff, military instructors, mess personnel, military police, the Trans Enduro sea team, lecturers and students of the Department Industrial Psychology (Mil), broader Military Academy, Faculty of Military Science, “The Coach” Lt Col Mtswene, Jonine Steyn of the Department of Social Development, Theo Renolds of Beacon Church Langebaan and Social Impact, Stellenbosch University all had a hand in the life changing event.
Fontaine thanked all involved for their “input, effort, dedication, preparation and finances in making this camp possible.” She said the organisers believed the lives that were touched would not only have an immediate ripple effect in the greater Saldanha Bay community, but also in the years to come. The next camp will be held over the weekend of 20-22 October.
This camp will specifically focus on the needs of young men aged 18 to 21 years of age who are currently unemployed and actively searching for a job. Contact Fontaine at Yolandij@sun.ac.za for more information about the next Bootcamp.
