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PRECINCT LIVING

DCA YOUTH

CONSULTATION

BY MONTANA ROBINSON

Sunday, 9 February marked
the beginning of a new
year for the DCA Youth
Consultations. The initiative

has grown from strength to
strength since it began in
May 2019, and nine months
down the line, there seems
to be an even bigger need
for such a forum in which
the youth can speak.

019 seems to have been the year
for exploration of topics. Now that
the main issues affecting the youth
2have been highlighted, it is time to
start finding solutions - as suggested by
teens themselves who have attended the
meetings in the past.
The very first consultation of the year was
centred around anxiety - an issue that
evidently affects more people than one
would think. According to a 2018 article
published by The Mercury, about 20% of
South Africa’s teens are struggling from a
mental health disorder - which is why giving
the youth in and around the Dainfern area a
platform to speak about these issues is so
important; a small difference can pave the
way to monumental change.
It’s like a knocking in my head as well as shared coping mechanisms with
The teens who attended the meeting were that I always hear. one another. All in all, everyone left the
fully engaged in the fun “Amazing Race” Sometimes I’m forced to take meds consultation with an arsenal of new ways to
inspired exercise, put together by Willem Sometimes I produce tears. deal with the epidemic.
Lindeque. The race consisted of finding a
partner and doing a quick block (and team) A-n-x-i-e-t-y The meeting was graciously sponsored
building exercise. After reaching a certain Let me go I want to fly, with generous amounts of delicious food
height of blocks, the individual teams raced Far away from all these lies. from Col’Cacchio Dainfern - food that was
to their next exercise: create or recite a I want to feel safe around my peers, gobbled up and enjoyed. A huge thank
poem, song or rap about anxiety. But because of you I’m always in fear.” you to Joanna and her amazing team from
Col’Cacchio.
The teens were given free range to explore Once all the groups performed their pieces,
the topic, in any way they chose to. Some applause erupted throughout the venue With a track record of success, as seen
sang popular songs that had the effect of and prizes were handed out to those who over the past few months, the DCA Youth
calming their anxiety, whereas others, like participated. Consultations continue to serve as a hub
Aime and Nellyne, recited original poems of growth, inspiration and support for the
about the destructive nature of anxiety: After the “Amazing Race” exercise, the youth. The next meeting will surely continue
teens joined different groups, and had in the vein of solution and fun.
“A-n-x-i-e-t-y individual discussions about anxiety with
Let me go I want to fly, the group facilitators. This year, the DCA Youth Consultations
Far away from all these lies. are aiming for success once again - with
I want to feel safe around my peers, The participants defined anxiety, discussed even more exciting prospects on the
But because of you I’m always in fear. the physical manifestations of the condition horizon.
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