By Nangamso Mabindla
2 August 2004

THE SMALL Buffalo City town of Berlin came to life on Friday when City health officials and local sports heroes delivered an inspiring message to children at their annual Health Day event.

Officials invited children from two local schools, the Berlin and Nkosinathi Primary, to attend lectures at the local town hall which included substance abuse, child abuse and "other things that affect their hearts".

Rather than focus on general health issues, Donné Burrows, the sister in charge of the Berlin Clinic, explained: "This is a community project, so we thought we'd target the heart of the community - the children."

Burrows invited two young cricketers from the Mercedes-Benz Eastern Cape Cricket franchise, opening batsman Dumisa Makalima and wicket-keeper Abongile Sodumo, to encourage the children to do something meaningful with their lives.

"I wanted people they could relate to. I want them to see that these youngsters came through the difficult stages of youth to make something out of their lives," Burrows said.

Addressing the crowd, former Dale College and South African schools batsman Makalima encouraged the children to keep occupied with sport and other extra-mural activities so they would not be caught up in a life of crime.

"Sport can do a lot of things for you; it can put food on the table, make you a role model for young people. You can meet important people and travel to other countries," Makalima said. "There's nothing the streets can offer you except the possibility of jail and eventually death."

Sodumo had a message for abused children. "If you're faced with such a situation, don't give up on life. Try and do something constructive to take your mind off that situation," said Sodumo. "But make sure you at least stay away from drugs and alcohol. They'll just worsen the situation."

An overjoyed Berlin Primary pupil, Vuyokazi Mqoboli, said she appreciated what the municipality did for the children.

"With what I've learned here today I'll be able to look beyond the pressure we face as youth and keep out of trouble. We did not only learn about health issues but about life skills and safety as well," she said.

Burrows said she was happy with the success and turn-out at the event, and looked forward to next year's Health Day.