Mitchell’s Plain pupils graduate as peer counsellors to combat substance abuse
Three high schools in Mitchell’s Plain—Tafelsig High School, Beacon Hill High School, and Cedar High School—recently celebrated the graduation of 38 peer counsellors trained through a year-long programme run by APISA (Awareness Programmes in Substance Abuse).
Image: Supplied
Three high schools in Mitchell’s Plain—Tafelsig High School, Beacon Hill High School, and Cedar High School—recently celebrated the graduation of 38 peer counsellors trained through a year-long programme run by APISA (Awareness Programmes in Substance Abuse).
The non-profit organisation, based in Mitchell’s Plain, aims to empower pupils to support their peers and tackle the challenges of substance abuse within their schools and communities, said Shireen Prins, programme coordinator and founder of APISA.
Each school formed a dedicated peer counselling group with its name and identity. Tafelsig High called their team Future Leaders; Beacon Hill chose The Chosen Ones; and Cedar High went with The Change Makers.
On Wednesday, July 30, at Cedar High School, they graduated from their programme.
Beacon Hill High School’s peer counselling group, The Chosen Ones, proudly hold up their poster during their graduation ceremony.
Image: Supplied
“APISA, founded in 2018, was established by concerned residents in response to the growing impact of drug and alcohol abuse on youth and families,” said Ms Prins.
The organisation is run by a board of professionals, including teachers, a social worker, a youth leader, an attorney and community members, and has received support from a variety of stakeholders over the years.
The peer counselling programme teaches pupils basic counselling and intervention skills to help guide their peers toward healthier choices, said Ms Prins.
Cedar High School’s peer counselling team, The Change Makers, displays their poster at their graduation event, marking their journey of impact, unity, and standing against substance abuse.
Image: Supplied
Despite a lack of funding in 2024, APISA still ran the programme with support from volunteers and the community. Graduates received certificates from Radio Tygerberg 104.
The ceremony on Wednesday July 30 at Cedar High School hall included youth-led performances focused on substance abuse, teenage pregnancy, gangsterism, mental health, gender-based violence, and respect for parents and teachers.
Ziyaad Lee from Tafelsig High said the programme was exciting and informative. “I learned a lot of things I never knew existed. Ms Prins is passionate about what she teaches and treats us with dignity and love. I think all schools should implement this programme for the well-being of teenagers.”
Terri-Lee Eckhardt, a graduate from Beacon Hill, said, “Thank you so much for making this happen and putting in so much effort. We had a great day and are truly blessed.”
Chelsea Burns, from Cedar High, added: “Thank you for all the prayers, time, and effort. We are truly blessed to have you, Ms Shireen.”