The sky is the limit. This was the theme on Wednesday 19 October when a group of Grade 6 learners from Kalksteenfontein Primary School in Bishop Lavis were treated to a trip to Table Mountain, Camps Bay and the V&A Waterfront in an effort to inspire them to dream big.
The excursion was made possible by the Ignisive – ignite inclusive change, a Camps Bay- based organisation which consists of various entities from local government, police, businesses and residents.
Theresa Massaglia, co-founder of the initiative, says their aim is to change the lives of people living on the streets in the area. She says their aim is to not only address symptomatic issues on the street for adults, children and families, but also to work together to find out how they can impact the systemic issues.
“We realised that most of the kids on the street in the area are from Kalksteenfontein. It was important for us to go and spend time there understanding the challenges and to be able to work with Kalksteenfontein Primary school and the community.”
Massaglia explains that the excursion was initiated by the Camps Bay Police Station.
“The key message and theme for the children was symbolic of being ‘on top of the world’ and we wanted to remind them that they should never be held back by their circumstances, embrace life-long learning and always remember that ‘the sky is the limit’.”
Massaglia adds: “The lens we look through largely depends on the environment we’re in and it is therefore our responsibility as adults to create a world for our children that is conducive to learning and gives each child the best opportunity in life.”
Sgt Amanda Cornelius, Social Crime Officer at Bishop Lavis Police Station, says the children are exposed to crime and gangsterism daily.
She says the purpose of the outing was to show them that there was a world to explore out there.
“Many of them are only used to their area. They don’t get to go out. We wanted to show them that there is more out there. We want them to see areas like Table Mountain and Camps Bay and dream big.”
The officer says seeing the smiles on the children’s faces makes it all worth it.
“When we bring them out you see a different child, you see a child with dreams, and we want to inspire them to chase those dreams.”
Sgt Glynnis Bester, Crime Analyst at Camps Bay Police Station says: “We want to instil in the children that they can do anything if they push themselves to achieve their goals. These kids are exposed to so many negative things when they see other areas, they become excited again. Many of them have never even been to Camps Bay.”
Ashstrilita Jacobs (12) says: “I was excited because I have never been on the red sightseeing bus. I got to see all the nice places as we drove on the bus. We were also in the cable car and on top of Table Mountain which was a great experience.”
Hayley Wareley (12) explains that she was elated to be away from school and to explore other areas.
“We learnt about the different plants and animals on Table Mountain. On the bus we drove through Camps Bay and past the Waterfront. It was a great experience.
The teen dreams of pursuing a career as a music teacher.
Riyaanah Hendricks (12) says: “I enjoyed the excursion. We learnt a lot. There was so much things to see.”
Liam Burger, local musician and Ignisive ambassador, who joined in on the festivities on the day, says: “To see how excited the kids were was very nice, seeing them run down to the beach was great.”
Massaglia explains that they are grateful for all the sponsors that came on board and made the event possible.
