BADISA Visits Seekoegat Primary School

- Linda Jaquet -

It was one of the chilliest, windiest Mondays this winter, but BADISA social workers Cecilia Cedras and Rozane Spogter were determined to go ahead with their planned visit to the rural Seekoegat Primary School, to do a number of things. Firstly, they wanted to tell the thirty or so learners at the School about what information, help and support they, as social workers, could offer them, about the dangers of alcohol, drugs, and HIV/AIDS.

To strengthen their message, BADISA enlisted the talents of two highly skilful communicators. Community activist, Jeff Armoed, who spoke first, was frank in his interaction with the youngsters on HIV/AIDS and Inspector Farrell Januarie of the Prince Albert Police gave a lively and often graphic talk on the risks posed to young people by alcohol and drug abuse.

Then Cecilia and Rozane needed to hand over to the learners aged between seven and thirteen, several boxes of warm clothes donated by a private English school, thanks to the good work of our Thursday Group.

The visit to Seekoegat Primary was all the more urgent following news of the rape of a ten year old pupil at her home some weekends beforehand. Thanks to the concern and efforts of the School’s dedicated headmaster, Mr Fortuin, its two educators and three administrative workers, BADISA had been quickly contacted and had promptly assisted and supported the young girl and her family.