MR.SA 2008 Finalist Helgard Marais: Adolescent Centre Launch - Kliptown Soweto

On the left Lenorard Letsoara (CAB member), Mr SA 2008 Finalist Helgard Marais, Khanyisile Swakamisa (CAB member)

As our youth are the future South Africans, as a finalist for Mr. SA 2008 I felt that is was important to be involved and show my interest in youth education and care. I was invited to the opening of a new Adolescent centre (Kganya Motsha – Shine young ones) in Kliptown where young adolescents could identify and see that other prominent young people have an interest in their own wellbeing and health education.

This centre is run by Dr. Rikash Jokhan (Paediatrician) who has an interest in adolescent medicine. This clinic was established when it became evident that the age group between 15 and 24 are the most susceptible to acquiring HIV/AIDS in South Africa. With the WHO (Word Health Organisation) focusing on targeting this age group it was decided that an Adolescent centre as a new initiative of the PHRU was imperative.

The key services that they provide is around Prevention, Treatment and Care of HIV / AIDS affected individuals. A great emphasis is also placed on Psycho Social Services, looking at important issues such as depression, grief, teenage pregnancies and focusing on educational programmes to enhance prevention.

As a Mr. SA finalist I interacted with the youth and some fellow role models within this community who are involved in this cause at a young age and are already setting an example for their peers. We need to pay urgent attention to the wellbeing of our youth as they are our future. We all should encourage and support initiatives such as this centre.

The Adolescent Community Advisory Board (CAB) played a fundamental role in the development of this centre from an adolescent’s perspective.