RIVERSDALE NEWS - The opening of a new Youth Zone in Riversdale will be a key important reservoir for youth empowerment and development.
So said the chairperson of the Youth Zone, Gerthlin Daries, at the official launch of the Youth Zone on Friday 31 March.
The front lawn of the Riverdale Primary Health Care facility was transformed into a vibrant, colorful outdoor affair and attended by several guests, among them dr Gideon van Tonder, Medical Manager: Hessequa, Primary Health Care Manager sister Elizabeth Braaf, LoveLife, members of the local police, Riversdal Hospital and clinic staff, and various community organisations and learners from local schools.
The Youth Zone, a first for the Riversdale sub-district, is a dedicated facility meant to create conducive environments in health facilities for young people to access services and openly interact with healthcare providers without feeling judged.
"By launching this Youth Zone young people now will have their own space to discuss their healthcare issues comfortably," Daries said.
"We are trying to create an enabling environment with this facility for our young people to access services without the fear of judgement and stigma. This would, hopefully, alleviate young people's dissatisfaction and fears with issues relating to privacy, lack of services and resources and long waiting times.
"What these youngsters need is a confidential and respectful service."
The services that will be available at the Youth Zone include sexual reproductive health-preventative care, mental screening and referral, educational and afterschool programmes, lifestyle, social and emotional support groups, career guidance and mentorship, CV compilation, interview preparation and assistance for further learning.
Initially, the Youth Zone will be operational every second Thursday from 14:00 - 17:00 until a regular client base is formed, after which the operating times will be weekly. A WhatsApp contact number will be made available for any after-hour queries as well as bookings and emergency appointments.
All clients will be seen at the Youth Zone and any referrals to the main facility will be done via a fast lane.
Adolescents between the ages of 12 and 24 face particular challenges including mental health issues, substance abuse, sexually transmitted disease as well as teenage pregnancy. We need to show commitment and to take responsibility for health needs and life skills development of the youths and adolescents in our region.
"We, therefore, believe that the Youth Zone is well-positioned to serve as a centre that will assist us to fulfil this objective in many ways," Daries said.
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