There are things that one can do to ensure that children who live in a community that is endemic with violent crimes can emerge as victors with positive attitudes by just showing them a little love and care.

Yesterday, the Mount Road Cluster Community Policing Forum board members treated 20 children (aged 8-14) to a cricket match held at the St George’s Park cricket stadium in Port Elizabeth.

The areas Gelvandale and Bethelsdorp is rife in gang related crimes and this gesture is part of the proactive programmes initiated by the SAPS and community forums.

Programmes such as these prevent children from going astray and to change their mind-set that there is a better life for every child instead of choosing a path of crime. The Provincial Commissioner, Lt Gen Liziwe Ntshinga and the Mayor of Nelson Mandela Bay, Mr Mongameli Bobani surprised the children with their presence.

The children were ecstatic when they were handed some ‘goodies’ and were treated as VIP’s. They also took pictures with the local teams. The match was between the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants and Tswane Spartans.

These children are our future leaders and society needs to mould, nurture and inspire them to believe in themselves that reaching their dream is only grasp away. As adults we have a responsibility to encourage, support and guide them to believe in themselves. Initiatives such as this will definitely have an impact on their lives commented Lt Gen Ntshinga.

Source: South African Police Service