This past Saturday marked the final session of the six-week Boys and Girls for Change programme, where students completed a comprehensive exam assessing the knowledge and skills they acquired throughout the initiative, said Youth Rep Donito Botha. Botha, a well-known youth ambassador, represents the youth on the Ward 32 committee. Their hard work and dedication will be celebrated at a graduation ceremony on Saturday, March 15, where they will receive their credentials and officially complete the programme, Botha said.
However, the journey does not end here. Graduates will be encouraged to implement what they have learned within their schools and communities, ensuring that the program’s impact continues long after its conclusion. The feedback from both students and educators has been overwhelmingly positive, with many participants expressing a strong desire for the program to be extended, highlighting its motivational influence and educational value, Botha added.
As part of the final session, students were privileged to hear from Rene Haruna of Atlantis Creative Hub, who delivered a powerful and inspiring address. She encouraged the young attendees to embrace creativity, pursue entrepreneurship, and recognize that their potential is limitless. Haruna emphasised the importance of time management, self-empowerment, and resilience, urging students to set ambitious goals and work toward their dreams with determination.
The session also provided an opportunity for students to bid farewell to their teachers and facilitators, whose guidance has been instrumental in shaping their experience. The bonds formed over the past six weeks have been profound, with facilitators committed to maintaining connections and following up on students’ progress to ensure they continue applying their skills within their schools, communities, and beyond.
A key figure in the success of this program has been Ward Councillor Moosa Raise, whose dedication and support have ensured that the initiative reaches its full potential, Botha said. The youth have repeatedly expressed their deep gratitude, describing his involvement as an “investment” in their future, one that will pay dividends in years to come.
Councillor Raise has gone above and beyond, personally attending each session for the past four weeks and actively engaging with the students. His commitment has not gone unnoticed; his presence has been a source of motivation and encouragement for the youth. In fact, during one session when he arrived slightly later due to prior arrangements, students continuously inquired about his whereabouts, eager for his arrival and appreciative of his unwavering support.
His dedication is a rare and commendable example of leadership that truly resonates with young people. It serves as a powerful reminder that when leaders invest in the youth, the youth, in turn, take notice and respond with enthusiasm and respect, Botha said.
Botha concluded, “They represent the next generation of leaders, future politicians, public speakers, and legal professionals”. “Their talent is undeniable, and the unity they have demonstrated, despite coming from two different high schools in Ward 32, is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared ambition. Their story deserves to be seen and celebrated, not only within their schools and communities but on a broader scale, particularly by those in leadership and governance,” he ended.
