Free State’s young offenders exhibit creativity

SELLWANE KHAKHAU

Winkie Direko Child and Youth Care Centre, together with Visual Art Cherry organisation held an art exhibition at the centre in Bloemfontein to showcase the artistic work done by young offenders. The aim of the exhibition was also to educate the children about positive to-do things instead of committing crime.

The youngest child at the centre is a 15-year-old boy whose identity cannot be revealed. He was sent to the centre in September last year for house-breaking. The boy, showing emotions of regret, said although he misses home, he is grateful to be at the centre.

“I have learned to stay away from criminal activities and be well-behaved. Although I sometimes miss my mother who hasn’t visited me since I got here, I am happy that I was rescued from continuing with deviant behaviour. I don’t want to end up in prison,” he said.

He shared his big dreams with Courant. “I want to be like President Jacob Zuma when I grow up. He’s respected by everyone in the country. I also want to be a medical doctor so I can help sick people and be respected for that too,” he added.

Moreover, Sebina Mosella, centre manager, said there is hope for the children. “They are as young as 15 to 17 years of age. At that age, most children are trapped in a web of peer pressure and negative influence from society. So they can definitely change,” she added.

According to a study on preventing involvement in crime conducted by www.nidrect.gov.uk, parents’ involvement in children’s lives can help prevent them from becoming young offenders. The study suggests: “Children who have a good relationship with their parents and children whose parents are concerned about what they get up to will less likely commit crimes”. The study also suggests that institutions such as schools also play a significant role in shaping a child’s character.

Below is some of the artwork done by the young offenders. Photos by: Sellwane Khakhau