Bonteheuwel’s junior councillor, Aidon Allies, 17, hopes his community project will steer young people away from gangsterism by helping them make better choices for themselves.
The Rylands High Grade 11 is one of 50 high school pupils in the City of Cape Town’s Junior City Council (JCC), a non-political programme that promotes civic responsibility among the youth.
Members of the JCC are expected to serve their communities voluntarily for one year.
Aidon, who joined the JCC in March, has started a project called the Hope Movement Foundation and runs workshops for Grade 7 pupils in Bonteheuwel. He is also a volunteer tutor for the Amy Foundation and tutors pupils at his home, for free. During the June school holiday, he held a soccer programme, and he is planning a camp before the end of the year.
Aidon said growing up in an area like Bonteheuwel was all the motivation he needed to help make a positive change.
“I have always been concerned about the gang violence in my community, but I was even more convinced that I needed to do something when my mom and my two siblings had to walk past a body of someone who was shot one morning while on their way to school. There are so many children who have to witness scenes like that, and it is not normal. I realised that change has to start within each individual, hence my slogan for my programme is ‘We are the change we seek. We are the hope we need.’ I would like to take the project to all the primary schools in Bonteheuwel. So far, I have presented workshops at two schools.”
He plans on studying political science after completing his schooling.
“It doesn’t surprise me that Aidon is interested in a career in politics,“ said his mother, Anthea Allies. ”He has always been passionate about making a difference and standing up for what’s right. Even as a young child, he would express his opinions and advocate for others. He would often ask questions about social issues and want to help those in need. He has always been determined to make a positive impact.
“Aidon’s achievements make me incredibly proud as a mother. Seeing him grow into a compassionate and driven individual, dedicated to creating positive change, fills my heart with joy. I’m grateful to have played a role in nurturing his passions and values.”
Since taking up the role of junior councillor, Aidon has also worked closely with his ward councillor, Angus Mckenzie.
“Aidon has not only taken in the learnings of being a junior city councillor but entrenched himself in various projects within the community since being elected junior councillor,” said Mr Mckenzie.
“More amazing is that he himself kicked off some amazing projects, which has really seen young people come together and be motivated to make better choices for their lives. He also built strong relationships with schools to implement those projects.
“He has also worked closely with my office and got involved with the Angus Cares projects, such as handing out food and clothing and just showing care to the community. Aidon is an amazing young man with a bright future ahead of him but a future that is entrenched in serving his people, the youth and his community.”
