SAPS Chatsworth recently launched the Junior Commissioner’s Competition which saw secondary school learners write essays to address root causes of violence at schools and turn-around strategies that can be implemented to ensure that schools become crime-free learning centres.
The title of SAPS Junior Commissioner was won by Sabrika Naicker who is a Grade 10 learner from Arena Park Secondary. The runner-up was Patrick Marian, also from Arena Park Secondary School, while Zuko Sukantaka from Meadowlands Secondary grabbed third place.
Leonie Chetty from Newhaven Secondary was placed fourth. Kailey Gengiah also attained the title of Junior Commissioner Integrity Ambassador. An overwhelming response from budding learners showed wisdom to police with their thoughts and vision for their schools and the youth.
Heeding to the call made by police, Prosecure offered support to SAPS by making dreams possible for these learners. Chatsworth police communicated with principals, encouraging them to empower learners to participate in this competition.
Spearheading this proactive school intervention was communications officer for SAPS Chatsworth, Captain Cheryl Pillay, who said that the project is one of many initiatives that envisage advancing and promoting the safety of learners and educators in schools.
“Moreover, the focus will also be on ensuring the development and nurturing of leadership skills and capabilities of all school learners by providing guidance and mentorship initiatives to prepare them for future leadership endeavours and becoming progressive and responsible citizens.
“It provides an opportunity to invest in young people and it is an empowerment tool which primarily intends to inculcate leadership, mentorship, moral and ethical values in young people. It is also aimed at building resistance and resilience among young people to crime and violence affecting them in their communities.
“Chatsworth police have engaged with various stakeholders to partner with police to assist in proactive interventions at schools. Police acknowledge that there are various root causes to crime and delinquency at schools, therefore a collaborative and holistic approach has been undertaken,” said Capt Pillay, adding that they are confident that the learners nominated as junior commissioners will lead as young ambassadors, bringing change and proactively engaging with learners to create a better world for all children.
Chatsworth police appreciate the commitment of Dr Guru Kistnasamy, Mrs GL Myende, the Circuit Manager, Prosecure, Gems School Wear and educators who contributed towards the upliftment and implementation of the Junior Commissioners Project.
