Bakwena enriches children’s lives through drama camps

NORTHWEST, South Africa - Oct. 19, 2015 - PRLog -- There is evidence that South African youth engaging in underage drinking is on the rise, which in turn can lead to harmful consequences in terms of traffic injuries, risky sexual behaviour, interpersonal violence and long term health issues. Bakwena N1N4 Toll Road Concessionaire recently held another successful Drama Season for learners along the N1 and N4 corridors to promote awareness around road safety and responsible behaviour.

The first showcase was held in Lehurutshe Civic Centre on the 18^th September and involved a hundred and ten learners from eight schools, namely Ramotshere, NR Mandela, Zeerust Hoërskool, Ramatu, Zeerust Combined, Ikageleng, Ntebogang and Ngotwane. The second was held in Lagairoi (Mooinooi) on the 24^th of September and involved a hundred and thirty five learners from nine schools, namely Machadam, Swartruggens Intermediate, Moedwil, Thuto ke Maatla, Reebone, Mogale, St Teresa, Michael Modisakeng and Johane Mokolobetsi. A large audience of appreciative family, friends, facilitators and officials were present at each event.

Charmaine van Wyk, PR Manager of Bakwena, expands: “This Drama Project is just one of many projects that uplift the lives of those communities that reside along the N1 and N4 corridor.  Bakwena would like to thank the teachers, facilitators, officials and, last but not least, the stars of the show, the children who put together meaningful dramas about the challenges they are faced with on a daily basis.”

Bakwena’s drama project has two main objectives. The first is to engage with youth regarding the risks of drinking alcohol and the importance of making thoughtful decisions while still young. The other objective is to provide a platform where a group of young people can explore the powerful impact of drama on their own development and in conveying a social message. This is achieved by encouraging the learners to dramatise what they have learned, or experienced personally, into short plays.

This was the fourth Bakwena Drama season, and proved to be as successful as ever. Learners are trained on a 5 day camp, consisting of Peer Education (with SA Red Cross) and a 3 day drama workshop.  This year, 36 teachers were also invited to a drama training camp.