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Marlyn Sassman, 13, spent his formative years in Hanover Park. Crime, drug abuse and gansterism have been a daily part of his life and he has even seen a man shot and stabbed in the hand. Marlyn was one of 55 Hanover Park pupils between 11 and 13 who yesterday received certificates for attending a Quaker Peace Centre camp, during which they discussed their feelings about gangs, guns, conflict, mediation and self-esteem. Trevor Oosterwyk, Staff Reporter The three-day camp at Froggy Pond in Simon's Town had pupils from many primary schools. The children discussed problems such as drinking and smoking, and alternatives to joining gangs. They suggested joining sports clubs, learning to play with the right kind of friends, and why it was important not to fight but to respect each other. They were also taught how to make new friends, how to be assertive but not aggressive, and how to resolve conflict. In a map they drew of Hanover Park, coloured stickers indicating all the places they believed were dangerous clearly showed there was not a single safe place for them. The camp was a safe place where the children could play and make some friends, and where learning could take place. At first the children were shy, and they had a low level of concentration. We adapted the programme so they could participate. The children made kites, had a concert and played all kinds of games. They were also taken to see the penguins at Boulders Beach. For most this was a first. Teachers agreed the children had learnt a lot. "I could see on their faces they enjoyed themselves and learned many new things. They used to be very inhibited but working in groups helped them. These children are now more confident about themselves." But young Marlyn Sassman had the last word: "I have learned so much. It was sometimes difficult to remember all the things. Now I would like to become a policeman to do the things I have learned." |
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