Just six weeks after the school was started, the ballerinas of the GNT(Guardians of the National Treasure) Dance School had their first public performance on Thursday March 21 (Human Rights Day).
Gavin Walbrugh, chairman of Steenberg Community Police Forum (CPF) said he encouraged the young people to show interest in arts and sport and that the ballerinas had achieved their goals “in such a short time”.
“The community enjoyed it, and I even saw a few dads come out to watch their children.”
Mr Walbrugh said he was very impressed with Ralph Bouwers, the founder of GNT.
“There has to be an alternative to gangsterism and drugs.”
And Mr Bowers found an alternative.
He said their soccer club was full swing since last year and that the Cape Flats Development Association (CAFDA) was one of the main sponsors.
“Our children are neglected, and there are not enough resources, so they had to practise ballet in someone’s back yard on a rough surface,” said Mr Bowers.
However, he is determined to keep children off the streets. “We use a holistic approach to calm them down. Human beings need to be seen to holistically. We can’t offer them a games day only one day and then leave.”
He said he kept children busy throughout the year – once the soccer season was over, there were other games, like chess, to play.