Umveliqangi Safe Space and Youth Development Centre hosted cancer and mental health awareness campaign at Umveliqangi Winterveldt Jum’ah Masjid.
The idea of the initiative was to support young people in maintaining their mental health and staying on track with their personal and academic goals through the treatment of mental health difficulties.
As part of the campaign, organisations such as IEC and COSUP were present at the event for further empowerment of the youth.
Tshwane Bulletin LIVE spoke with Kefilwe Rammutla, Childline and Safe Space Coordinator under the youth program, who explained the campaign and its mandate. “Assigned to work with the youth,” Rammutla highlighted that youth development is dependent upon this initiative.
“We want young people to be aware of such issues (cancer and mental health) that are happening in our communities.”
“Our objective is to create as much awareness about these matters as possible and to impart knowledge about these issues to others and students.”
With mental health issues on the rise, Rammutla explained the lack of knowledge within communities about mental health, leading to unsettling remarks and discrimination towards people going through mental health issues.
“It all stems from our young people’s ignorance of these issues; they may even know someone close to them who is affected, but they are unsure of where to turn for assistance or support.”
“We are essentially attempting to prevent such things and eradicate the abuse that results from ignorance because they make fun of them and call them crazy,” added Rammutla.
“We want young people to be aware of such issues (cancer and mental health) that are happening in our communities.”
Kefilwe Rammutla
Founder and Chairman of Umveliqangi Winterveldt Jum’ah Masjid, Amir Raheem Nkumane revealed that all they are doing as a MASJID is making sure that they breed the ideal community of excellence tomorrow.
“As a Masjid and in working together with the Umveliqangi Safe Space, we support the community on multiple fronts when it comes to social issues. We tackle short-term and long-term issues.
“A crucial aspect of this is ensuring that our children are mentally fit and receiving the intellectual, moral, spiritual, and physical care they need,” added Nkumane.
Hundreds of young people from various parts of the community took part in this event. A prayer led by Amir Raheem Nkumane brought an end to the very enlightening event.
