Knysna’s new youth zone

Update

KNYSNA NEWS - After the launch of a youth zone at the Kwanokuthula Community Day Centre (CDC), the Knysna CDC launched its own youth zone at the LoveLife Centre opposite the clinic on Monday 11 July.

The fun-filled programme included dancing, entertainment and information sessions.

Many stakeholders joined the event, as the health of the youth is everyone's responsibility.

"We have been running services for the youth in this building for two years now and we are excited to see so how many youths make use of services such as family planning, mental health support, etc.," said Knysna CDC operational manager, Sister Joan Stander.

"This event is to highlight the availability of youth-friendly services in this building."

Ward 8 Councillor Aubrey Tshengwa spoke about the accessibility of service for the youth. "I encourage the youth to utilise this building to reduce the high number of teenage pregnancies and at the same time decrease the number of HIV infections," he said.

The clinic also offers family planning (contraceptives, morning-after pill and TOP), an important aspect of youth services. Women's health coordinator Lumka Mrabalala explained reproductive rights and the services the centre offers.

She also encouraged the youth to approach them for help with mental health issues such as depression to prevent suicide in the community. Gender-based violence was also discussed to inform everyone where they can get help.

Nathaniel Petersen, healthy life-styles programmes coordinator for the Western Cape, said LoveLife works together with the department to promote youth health and to encourage the youth to make use of health services to decrease teenage pregnancy and new infections of HIV.

"Our youth centre is a space where the youth can feel free to access health services with the help of trained healthcare professionals through our partnership with the Knysna CDC," he said.

The youth zone is open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 14:00 to 16:00, consultations will also be available as usual before those times.

At the event, the president of the Knysna Lions Club, Sister Jacky Deetlefs, also launched the Lions International Peace Poster compe-tition. This year the theme is "Lead with compassion".

The contest encourages children aged 11 to 13 to creatively express what peace means to them. Great prizes are on offer, including a monetary prize as well as a trip overseas. Those visiting the youth zone can get more information on the poster competition.

"Management would like to thank the stakeholders on the day: Knysna Alcohol & Drug Centre, Department of Health district office, ward councillors, LoveLife groundbreakers, School Health, Knysna CDC, Noleen Dirkse and team, and SHE," said Western Cape Department of Health spokesperson Nadia Ferreira.

Sisters Margie Wacher and Gail Holton with family planning options.