“There is a way out of drugs”.
This was the message given to young people in Factreton recently during the Project Peace outreach initiative organised by Bruinchild Media.
Alex Cupido, the founder of Bruinchild, explains that the project, which started in June last year, is a fusion of performing arts and testimonies by former gangsters and drug addicts to convey a message of peace in communities.
Bruinchild Media is a Mitchell’s Plain-based talent management and digital marketing company that promotes local talent as well as gives aspiring artists in underprivileged communities in the province the resources and connections to become professional artists.
While the country commemorated Human Rights Day on Tuesday last week, Cupido and his team held a peaceful march through the streets of Factreton with former gang members dressed in orange prison jumpsuits and chains around their hands and feet leading the march.
The march started on the corners of Sunderland and Lugmag Avenue and proceeded to Glider Crescent. The official programme was held in Glider Crescent Park.
Cupido says the chains symbolise drug addiction and gangsterism.
“This initiative is to show people who are doing drugs and those involved in gangsterism or those suffering from gender-based violence (GBV) that there is a way out. And we are testament that you can recover. There is a life after drugs and gangsterism. We want to show them proof that there is hope for them.
He says the programme sees local artists performing, spiritual dancing and testimonies by former drug addicts and gangsters.
Franklyn Cupido, the founder of Fountain of Life Prison Ministry, says the ministry consists of former gang members, drug addicts and rape survivors.
Their purpose is to spread a message of hope within communities.
“We work within prisons as well. We share our testimonies with people. I was in prison, I was shot and stabbed due to decisions I made in the past.
“We try to create awareness among the young people because most young people do not have role models. We want to warn children of the dangers of getting involved in gangsterism and drugs we hope that our testimonies will motivate them to make better decisions.”
According to Alex, officials from the provincial department of cultural affairs and sport and social development were also present to provide people with valuable information such as where and how to access rehabilitation centres.
Cupido says they choose different communities with high levels of drugs, alcohol and gangsterism across the city.
He says with limited resources they are always in need of donations and calls on people and organisations to get involved.
“I would love for people to get involved if they can also come on board and sponsor the event. We need resources. We are also calling on local government to get involved. We also connect with organisations or churches within the communities where we have these outreach programmes.
- To donate or get more information email alex@bruinchildmedia.co.za or call 073 619 8848.
