Young pros launch vacation programme

Jul 15, 2008 News

Some 200 children aged between five and 16 from West Ruimveldt are expected to benefit from a programme launched yesterday for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) in that community.

According to coordinators of the programme, Collis Dundas and Clayton Newman, of the Professional Social Engineers, West Ruimveldt was chosen because of the fact that a large number of vulnerable children reside there.

The exercise commenced yesterday and is expected to conclude on August 22.
Dundas said the programme was put together to advocate the human rights of orphans and vulnerable children.

He added that the objectives are to provide support, care, hope and encouragement as a source of direction to young people as well as to promote growth and development in education for physical health and social awareness for children in the West Ruimveldt community.

The project also aims at assisting weak students in the development of a critical understanding to help cope with societal issues.

The children would be exposed to arts and craft, academic teaching, as well as HIV/AIDS awareness. They will also have the opportunity of enjoying day camps and fishing trips.

Dundas explained that his group is dedicated to providing continuous support and encouragement to the OVCs of the society.

The organization is a non-profitable, non-governmental entity aimed at developing the lives of less fortunate children, with the assistance of donations. Outdoor sales and other fundraising activities are done for its upkeep.

In addition to Newman and Dundas, other trained professionals such as nurses and social workers also volunteering their time to the project. All the volunteers share the same core values such as fostering empowerment, leadership, self respect and respect for others.

It is the mission of the group to provide non-discriminatory services to improve the quality of life of the OVC.

The group was originally conceptualized and designed in 2002; they were officially registered on March 3, 2003.

On May 5, last, a decision was taken at a meeting with the members to rename the group as Professional Social Engineers.