Last week, the Urban Waste Management Directorate through the Community Development Worker Programme, a partnership between the City and the Western Cape Government, has been involved with two exciting initiatives in Khayelitsha (Ward 94). They launched the Lingomso ‘Our Future’ project aimed to help school children enhance their creativity and improve communication and motor skills. They also supported the Noluntu Soup Kitchen, which serves as a beacon of hope for those grappling with food insecurity, offering them nourishment.
The Lingomso Elihle Painting and Drawing Project is an after-school programme designed to equip children with essential skills for the future, fostering problem-solving abilities, emotional restoration, and a sense of safety. The project is initially being launched at Isiphiwo Primary School in Harare, Khayelitsha, but will expand to other schools within the metro.
The project focuses on arts as a vehicle for communication and environmental awareness. Through crafts and creativity, children will have the opportunity to explore various forms of self-expression while gaining confidence and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them.
Furthermore, by incorporating lessons on recycling into arts, crafts, and painting activities, the CDW programme aims to teach learners the importance of effective communication and environmental stewardship. Hopefully seeds planted here will grow into environmental activism further down the line.
To support this initiative, the CDW programme has provided a range of supplies, including paint brushes, colour palette sets, colour pencils and sketchbooks, watercolours, and colour paint. These materials will not only enrich the creative experiences of the participants but also provide them with the tools necessary to explore their talents and express themselves fully.
Alderman Grant Twigg, Mayoral Committee Member for Urban Waste Management in Cape Town, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, ‘The Lingomso “Our Future” project represents our commitment to investing in the development of our youth and fostering a sense of community within our city that will be extremely important to turn the tide on illegal dumping. Through creative expression and skill-building activities, we aim to empower learners with the tools they need to navigate the challenges of tomorrow.’
SUPPORTING WOMEN WHO ARE FIGHTING HUNGER
With a steadfast commitment to ensuring no person goes hungry and no food is wasted, the Noluntu Soup Kitchen stands as a testament to the power of grassroots initiatives in effecting positive change.
Recognising the good work under way, the CDW worker in the ward identified the project as a possible beneficiary to receive support from the CDW programme.
Vital supplies such as large pots, gas stoves, plastic basins, perishables, and compost bins have been provided through this programme, ensuring the kitchen can continue its mission.
The programme also assisted to implement innovative measures to promote sustainability and minimise waste. Through the repurposing of food waste for compost in a communal garden, the kitchen not only tackles hunger but also contributes to environmental conservation efforts.
‘The Noluntu Soup Kitchen stands as a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in effecting tangible change, and the City is proud to be able to support such an initiative,’ said Alderman Twigg.
If any similar community initiatives throughout the City would like to be considered for future assistance, they can contact the Subcouncil offices within their Ward to engage with a local CDW officer, or alternatively email Community.DevelopmentWorkers@capetown.gov.za.
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