The Inclusive Society Institute together with Koinonia and the Athlone Parliamentary Constituency Office hosted its yearly Youth Leadership Camp, from 4 – 6 October. Under the theme Active Citizens Serving South Africa, the camp brought together more than 50 youths from across the Cape Metro and the Cape Winelands.
Over two, busy and exciting days, the youngsters were not only taught about the Constitution, leadership skills, critical thinking and effective communication, but they were also given the opportunity to share their thoughts, their passions and their concerns for South Africa.
The camp started with former Parliamentarian Faiez Jacobs, who set the scene in South Africa. He shared how South Africa is on a path of transformative change. How the government and the citizens must together build a more equal and just future for everyone. After dinner, Klaus Kotzé from the Institute introduced the participants to critical thinking and effective communication. This workshop asked participants to think about and to construct arguments for a better South Africa. It advanced the idea of active and participative democracy, assisting the youth to activate their agency constructively, through debate.
Saturday morning started with the entire camp taking part in a mental health awareness walk in the beautiful Paarl Arboretum. The outing was followed by the Institute’s flagship Constitutional training programme: Taking the Constitution to the People. Here the participants were introduced to the meaning of the Constitution, its values and aspirations. The participants were asked to critically engage with the substance of the Constitution, and to find ways where they can activate its transformational intentions in their daily lives. After an engaging session, the youngsters had a well-deserved break at the pool.
The afternoon’s workshop was hosted by Amanda Rinquest and Thandi Henkeman from Black Sash who graciously gave up their Saturday afternoon to talk about how the Constitution guides leadership and active citizenry in South Africa. The participants were taken through practical examples and thoroughly enjoyed the engaging session. After some more fun, team-building activities, Eddie Williams from Koinonia hosted the very popular Potjie-kos competition. Each group was given the same ingredients, and around a massive fire, laughter and new-born friendship welcomed in the night. The last activity of the evening saw the local filmmaker Nadine Cloete showcase some of her documentaries, shot on location in the Cape. It was a great opportunity for the youngsters to engage with films that they could relate to.
Sunday morning was spent re-capping the substance and intentions of the camp. Participants were asked to reflect on their experiences and develop strategic plans detailing how they will apply their new skills in their community as active citizens. Each group was asked to compile a list of commitments that they could pledge to and with their paint-covered hands everyone involved at the camp pledged their intentions on large papers, provided.
The very successful second Youth Leadership Camp was concluded with a certificate ceremony and a boisterous rendition of the national anthem which left this writer not only with goosebumps but with unmitigated hope for the future of South Africa.
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