News

In a very short space of time a camp, facilitated by the Bitou Municipality’s Mayoral Office Youth and Gender Desk, was carefully planned and implemented over the weekend of 31 July to 02 August 2015. Ward Cllr Neville de Waal opened this camp by extending “a warm welcome to all participants to Ward 1 with its exquisite nature scenery. This will provide the tranquility needed to open up and talk and interact with your hearts and mind.”

Due to the existence of various social ills and imbalances with the communities of Bitou it was endeavored that at the onset of Women’s month the focus should be on the YOUNG WOMEN of Bitou. The following activities were focused on:

Life skills, Health and Safety issues, Substance abuse, Youth involvement in the community, Career empowerment and Teambuilding.

This camp was specifically put together with the mutual aim to capacitate our female youth with various everyday issues and how to deal with them. We invited other governmental departments to share some knowledge and experiences. These shared some valuable life skills and gave direction to these young women. These departments include:

• South African Police Services
• Departments of Social Development
• Knysna Alcohol & Drug Centre

At the end of the 2 day camp it was a collective decision was taken to establish the Bitou Young Women’s Forum. They envisage to meet once per month in order to discuss community issues which are crosscutting.

As for continuity, communication channels have been opened in order to provide assistance beyond this camp.