EK IS OULIK
HEALTH & WELL-BEING
EK IS OULIK
Personal transformation sits at the heart of PACT’s work with young people, and the organisation endeavors to facilitate growth around self-esteem and mental wellness. Part of this work is facilitated by the salon project Ek is Oulik (EIO). Using the socio-cultural value of hair, PACT has created a care programme which allows children and young people access to hair and nail care, as well as hygiene products (such as sanitary towels, deo and toothpaste). PACT has appointed a full time EIO Officer to run the project and manage sensitive disclosures or referrals.
PACT plans to build a dedicated salon space in 2023, building onto the EIO model to additionally create a social enterprise for young women who have gone through their youth development training at the centre.
WISH LIST
Hygiene and care products for boys and girls, hairdryers, clippers, styling products, beauty training, basic counselling skills training
LAPTUIN
The need to focus on food security in Prince Albert was brought into sharp focus by the economic hardship experienced as a result of COVID-19. It is a priority for PACT going forward to include programs that focus on self-sufficiency, nutrition and sustainable food systems – from seed banks to small-scale farming projects. A gardening internship programme called LAPtuin has been developed in partnership with Renu Karoo and the Department of Agriculture, as a way to educate the community on sustainability and cultivating home gardens. Land has been provided in South End for a vegetable garden and this produce supplies the centre’s kitchen and feeding programme.
WISHLIST
Permaculture training, seeds, plants, gardening equipment
ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER BASED VIOLENCE (GBV)
PACT, in partnership with the Department of Social Development in Prince Albert, is committed to creating awareness around GBV- ensuring that the implementation of GBV programs extend beyond the 16-days of Activism and become established 365-day campaigns.
The Youth Desk at the PACT centre is part of the 365-day campaign and is headed up by the centre’s director, Naaim. The Youth Desk identifies current issues affecting children and the broader community, and designs programs or shows to address these specific topics. PACT has a wonderful partnership with Warrant Officer Frey (SAPS) who visits the centre and puts on puppet shows for the children, with various themes addressing social issues. Sports events are also held to bring people together and create a sense of pride in the community.
WISH LIST
Funding for in-house Youth Desk training, puppet shows, puppets, sports equipment
STAAN EN SKYN
This is an initiative focused on self-awareness and personal growth. Facilitators travel from Cape Town to take young men and women aged between 15 and 40 through an intensive weekend of training. The aim is to create ongoing engagement around principles of self-esteem, communication and self-care: hopefully offering local youth an opportunity to make healthy life choices.
Staff members attend Staying Strong and Conflict Management courses:
Staying Strong – Facilitated by Industrial Psychologist and coach Thana De Clerk. This course is aimed at equipping staff and interns with skills to cope emotionally with stress. It focuses on strengthening resilience, optimism, and ownership – a mindset that has positively impacted PACT employees far beyond COVID-19.
Conflict Management – Staff members receive six weeks training on how to deal with conflict in the workplace, presented by Clinical Psychologist Rigby Hough.
CLEAN AND GREEN
The Clean and Green campaign aims to protect and care for the centre by engaging children and youth in leading an environmentally conscious lifestyle. All staff and the Blink Begin registered children start their day by sweeping the courtyard, picking up litter and showing gratitude for their space and environment.
DANCE
CAPOEIRA
Registered children have the chance to attend Capoeira classes conducted by Kyle Georgiou, a volunteer at the centre. Capoeira is a traditional Brazilian martial art involving drumming, singing, fighting, and dancing. The aim is to create an outlet for energy and to teach young people safe self-defense techniques.
BALLET & HIP-HOP
All children can attend ballet workshops on designated weekends, conducted by Robin van Wyk and Johnny Bovang, both ballet maestros from Cape Town. Robin and Johnny also teach hip-hop on their visits to Prince Albert. Fusion as a dance form is also taught weekly by youth facilitators at the center to registered PACT children.
THE RIEL DANCE GROUP
The Prince Albert Vastrappers, under the leadership of Andy and Sara Van Rooi, continue to go from strength to strength.
SPORT
CYCLING
Berg Bokkie Fiets Span
Registered children at the centre can make use of bicycles donated by BEN’s bikes and Arno Botha, local cyclist and member of the Prince Albert Community Cycling Club. Youth cyclists who are more serious receive training and opportunities through the engagement of Arno and teacher Charles Ewerts, who cycles weekly with the PACT children to different locations in the area. Helmets and vests are mandatory. The centre follows strict policies and procedures regarding the use of PACT bicycles – each one is numbered to track usage and maintenance.
Scholars, along with Jayden Jacobs, are responsible for bike maintenance. Jayden was trained and mentored as a junior mechanic while volunteering in Arno Botha’s workshop.
WISH LIST
Bicycles for children and youth, helmets, vests and cycling shoes are most appreciated, as well as any second- hand parts.
PILATES
PACT children and youth have access to Pilates classes for 6 months of the year while LA based accredited Pilates teacher Yvette Breedt is in South Africa.
YOGA
Children and youth have access to Yoga classes with Marijke Coornaert, who resides between Prince Albert and Belgium.
parkrun
All children of the community are welcome to participate in the Prince Albert parkrun. parkrun children and youth runners receive fruit after every parkrun and those who complete 10 registered parkruns receive a pair of takkies.
CHESS
Chess is one of the most popular games at the centre and many of the young people see chess as a way to help with personal discipline and calming their minds. Most of the registered children are skilled in playing chess.
