WhizzKids gathering together in celebration.

The 9^th of December was an exciting day for the youth of Edendale as it marked the final day of the school term and the start of summer break. The WKU Health Academy was filled with even more excitement for the youth, as our WKU staff, Edendale community members, and WhizzKids gathered together to commemorate World AIDS Day and reward the healthy behaviour of the WKU Health Academy youth with a Christmas Party. 

It remains debatable amongst the youth as to what was the best part of the event. One main highlight of the event was a visit from Martizburg United Football Club. The youth spent an hour performing football drills under the direction of Martizburg United coaches and players. Read more on their visit in our previous blog. 

The event also featured three special guest speakers. A young gentleman living with HIV, presented a powerful message on building a healthy relationship with an emphasis on partners getting tested together. Sipho Hadebe from the School of Agriculture, urged the youth to be independent and avoid being lured into making bad decisions based on the three c’s: cash, cars, and cell phones. The final speaker, Nditsheni Mudau from FET College, informed the youth on alternative education options and motivated them to continue their studies regardless of obstacles. 

Amid the excitement from the event’s guests, the attendees also enjoyed a delicious, hot meal. The Health Academy staff worked tirelessly in the kitchen starting at 6AM, cooking large pots of chicken and mutton curry and numerous salads for the 400 attendees of the events, including youth, parents, business representatives, and school teachers. We owe a huge thanks to Green Farms Academy and FIFA for their generous sponsorship of the event’s catering needs. 

And of course, it wouldn’t have been a Christmas party without gifts! Christmas gifts and certificates were presented to the WKU youth who received HIV Counselling and Testing and utilised the Health Academy sexual health services for the past year. Doctors from Edendale Hospital graciously donated 350 gift bags for the WhizzKids and Martizburg United Football Club gave complementary game tickets. 

Despite the overcast weather, it was a beautiful day of celebration amongst the youth and Edendale community, honouring the healthy lives the WhizzKids lead. It was incredibly transparent from the smiles on the faces of the youth and community members that it was a great day. WKU graciously thanks all who contributed to making it a successful event!

Now, it’s time for all in attendance to go forth with the holiday spirit and empower others to lead healthy lives!