SAPS Western Cape's Provincial Social Crime and Spiritual Crime Prevention officers hosted a camp for boys who live in the top 10 high-crime police station precincts.
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The Western Cape Provincial Social Crime and Spiritual Crime Prevention officers hosted a boys camp designed to empower them with tools to navigate challenges and making better choices.
The camp was held at the Potberg Eco Venue situated in De Hoop Nature Reserve, near Cape Agulhas, from Friday April 4 to Sunday April 6. A total of 41 boys, selected from the top 10 high-crime station precincts within the Western Cape Policing Precinct, attended the camp.
SAPS spokesperson, Captain Ian Bennett, said: "This initiative aimed to equip the youths with the tools to navigate life’s challenges while making better, morally-grounded choices, building trust and leadership. The SAPS team had high expectations, just as the boys carried their own hopes for the camp. Through immersive activities like conflict management workshops, officers and a dedicated team of spiritual leaders and facilitators, the boys explored and confronted the emotional challenges they face daily."
Captain Bennett said being disconnected from modern technology in the nature reserve, only benefited the boys.
"Far from home and disconnected from modern distractions like cellphone signals, the boys relied on each other for safety and camaraderie while connecting deeply with the beauty of nature. These shared experiences cultivated bonds of trust, resilience, and newfound purpose."
The boys were introduced to Youth for Human Rights and engaged in discussions around the various social ills in their communities.
Image: Supplied
The boys were introduced to the principles of Youth for Human Rights, learning about fundamental rights, equality, and the importance of making responsible, ethical choices.
"The weekend marked a transformative beginning for many, igniting a renewed sense of purpose and instilling values that will resonate in their families, communities, and ultimately, in our nation, South Africa. We are planting seeds of hope for the nation that finds itself challenged with gender-based violence, domestic abuse, substance abuse, gang violence, school drop-outs and teenage pregnancy," Captain Bennett said.
He described the camp as a beacon of hope and said there is a need for more camps like this.
"It has sown seeds that will grow them into honourable men, leaders capable of transforming their communities. Recognising the significance of these initiatives, SAPS Western Cape emphasises the need for more camps like this for both boys and girls. We need bigger partnerships with more facilitation on a lot of unanswered questions. Addressing the root causes of societal challenges that seem to be a norm requires redefining moral values, and conscience building to ensure a morally strengthened community with a spiritually strong foundation."