Desiree Fisher is an active member of the CP&RAoE (Concerned Parents and Residents Association of Eersterust) and I had the pleasure of meeting her a few weeks ago to discuss some of the work that she is doing in the community. The organisation is making notable strides in the community of Eersterust (Coloured suburb in Pretoria), with minimal resources. How are they doing this? Well, they have a dedicated team working against all odds to make living in Eersterust a better place. Most people complain about their communities and just sit but not these people. Eersterust has a history of gang violence, crime and drug and alcohol abuse but these members are not going to take this sitting down. They may not be caped heros but the work they are doing is worthy of titling them as superheros. The members who form this committee include Ms Desiree Fisher, Rev Raynard Shovel, Adv Lizelle Haskins, Mr Kenneth Petersen, Ms Dolores Williams, Ms Credwin Williams, Ms Januib Lutz and Ms Florence Martin.

The organisation is modest in size but massive in terms of character and vision. Their vision is for the children of Eersterust to have the opportunity to realise their potential, be respected by society and participate fully in the community, consistent with their human rights and responsibilities.

Their mission is to  serve and make  social and economic contributions to Eersterust and surrounding areas, in pursuit of the following objectives:
Ensure community acceptance and participation
Embrace change and take responsibility

Identify issues detrimental to the development of the children of Eersterust
Inculcate the issue of social  responsibility among the community
Provide information for empowerment – both and socially and financially
Facilitate mentoring programmes
Uplift and improve quality of life by facilitating the attainment of skills
Foster cordial relations with appropriate Government Departments
Create awareness of the importance of a safe and clean community.
Create awareness of the work, objectives and ideals of the organisation

This is no easy feat but with a highly motivated team, they have made very notable progress in achieving these goals.

The organisation hosted a successful Breakfast function and Creative Table Competition on Friday June 16, 2006. In addition to the "top-billing" table settings which highlighted the creativity and taste of their people and a superb programme director...they were very fortunate to  be "taught" by Mr Yusuf Abramjee on how imperative it is for communities to "work together" in order to help their children dream of a future. Yusuf Abramjee is Group Head of News and Talk Programming for Primedia Broadcasting, owners of Talk Radio 702, 94.7 Highveld Stereo, 567 Cape Talk and 94.5 Kfm.

The below extract was written by Yusuf Abramjee and was published in the Pretoria News on June 20, 2006.

Help them dream of a future!
Yusuf Abramjee

In the past few days, youth issues have been in the news. The 30th anniversary of the Soweto uprisings was celebrated last week and to commemorate the occasion various rallies were held across the country.

Many South Africans paid tribute to our fallen youth. June 16 1976 was the day which saw the face of South Africa changing. Friday was a day to reflect on our youth, their past, and their future.