Local Motion inspires youth to develop their potential

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GEORGE NEWS - The fate of teenagers and young adults in marginalised communities has been a matter close to the heart of Georgian Sabrina Horn since about seven years ago when she was involved in Christian outreaches to underprivileged areas in Cape Town.

Upon returning to George, she did not chase after her own dreams, but started reaching out to children in impoverished areas.

This has led to the founding of a non-profit organisation, Local Motion, which was introduced to local business people at a breakfast hosted at Acorn Guest House on Friday 15 July.

Local Motion is always looking for businesses and volunteers to partner with them in their programmes.

Horn said young people in disadvantaged areas lack the support and resources they need to help them grow their potential.

PHOTO GALLERY: Local Motion gaining motion in George

"This often leads to involvement in violence, alcoholism, drugs, abuse, gangsterism and human trafficking. We provide a platform for them to engage in educational and stimulating after-school programmes and other activities to ultimately build a relationship with them and help them thrive in their studies and employment."

Melissa Durant, social worker and a director of Local Motion, said the youngsters are taught productive and healthy habits that build character and more skills.

"We also encourage a culture of creativity and expression and provide a positive outlet for their emotions and expression of their dreams and goals."

Sally Versveld, director of another George non-profit organisation, Usaphlo Indlu, did an introduction at the breakfast, stressing that many poor families and children are living under extremely stressful conditions.

She gave an example of a grandfather whose children have all passed away and who is now raising four teenage girls on his own. She said such living circumstances affect everyone in society, which is why partnering and collaboration among NPOs, businesses and other sectors such as education, are vital to bring about sustainable transformation.

Individuals or businesses who would like to partner or lend a hand to Local Motion, may contact Sabrina Horn on 083 253 9744.

Golf day in aid of Local Motion

Local Motion is holding a fund-raising golf day on Friday 9 September at Kingswood Golf Estate.

It will be a four-ball alliance with a shotgun start at 12:00. There will be prizes for closest to the pin on par 3s, longest drive for ladies and men, an auction, and raffle prizes.

The cost is R600 for one player and R2 400 for a four-ball. Fees include the green fee, golf cart seat and a burger and chips.

Companies are invited to sponsor a green or tee for R500.

Golfers may register at info@localmotionza.org or 083 253 9744.

Local Motion is a Christian non-profit organisation that works among the young people of marginalised communities in George.

Functions and activities

Local Motion follows a holistic approach. According to Melissa Durant, social worker and also a director of Local Motion, their Youth Centre at 9 Thomas Street in Borcherds offers an after-school programme that focuses on career guidance, entrepreneurship, skills development and homework assistance.

"Our aim is improvement and progress in school, competency in CV writing and general skills in career building for their future."

In this, the organisation partners with businesses to provide jobs and opportunities for guidance in job skills. Assistance is also provided with practical things like obtaining IDs, driver's licences and visits to the doctor or dentist.

Creativity and skills development through arts and crafts, bead work and drama, and exposure to active outdoor activities such as hiking and surfing, all form part of what Local Motion offers.

They also have social work initiatives and partnerships with welfare forums, according to Durant.