Empowervate Trust/Youth Citizens Action Programme workshop at Kwena Molapo High School – 19 September 2014
Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, Founder and CEO of Empowervate Trust needed volunteers to help promote their Youth Citizens Action Programme for 2015. This cause’s mission is to assist the social cohesion and social transformation of the country by focusing on the empowerment of the youth. One of the ways in which they aim to accomplish this is by The Youth Citizens Action Programme. Schools nationwide are invited to participate, and the Grade 10s choose a project and follow the guidelines and structure as described in the toolkit. The learners must look at the problems in and around the school and choose an issue they want to solve, and then follow the action steps recommended.
Empowervate Trust posted a need for volunteers to help with workshops introducing the YCAP programme on the forgood website. Internet Solutions (IS), one of the leading ICT companies in South Africa, used the website to find volunteering opportunities for their staff, and after viewing Empowervate’s need, they acted and volunteered to assist at one of the workshops.
On 19 September 2014 8 Internet Solutions staff members and Empowervate Trust arrived at the Kwena Molapo High School in Diepsloot. They were met by 308 eager Grade 8’s and 9’s who were only too happy to take a break from studying to hear what YCAP was all about.
Amanda Blankfield-Koseff, assisted by Internet Solutions staff members, gave the pupils an overview of the programme – how it works, what it entails, and how the pupils can participate. During this interactive presentation students were encouraged to start to think of projects for them to tackle during the next year. The Internet Solutions group had also prepared a programme which included career guidance, self-esteem topics and general tips on preparing high school learners for the future. They tackled these seemingly tough topics with surprising ease, and the pupils enjoyed being challenged and motivated.
Kwena Molapo High School principal, Michael Maligana, said it was a privilege to have Empowervate Trust at their school. The workshop gave the learners an opportunity to get a holistic look on challenges and career guidance, and it helped prepare them for life.
Why did the Internet Solutions decide to get involved? Staff member Ravikka says “I love to do things like this – sometimes being here humbles one”. Simangele Lekhuleni, whose brainchild the project was, explained that this workshop formed part of the company’s 67 Days of Activism Campaign in celebration of Mandela Day to encourage IS staff to spend their time being of service to others. Their focus for the campaign was to volunteer their time and provide career guidance and advice and to inspire young people. This was a perfect fit for them to showcase the passion the team have for causes involving youth empowerment.
Forgood was the meeting place for a cause who needed help, and a group of volunteers looking for an opportunity to make a difference. This was a perfect fit – and 308 learners benefited from this collaboration.