South Africa’s rich heritage is a testament to the country’s people, cultures, and historic events that took place. Youth Day is one of the most significant days which not only celebrates the Youth of the country and their impact but is a day to remember the fallen heroes of Soweto in 1976. Nelson Mandela made a powerful statement when he said: “Young people are capable, when aroused, of bringing down the towers of oppression and raising the banners of freedom.” His words resonate with the actions that took place. To honour this day, we are sharing a few Youth Day initiatives you, your family and friends can get involved in this year.
16 Days for Youth
Heart FM, the Cape’s number one radio station embarked on the mammoth task of making an impact in the City’s communities, shutting down their broadcast studio for 16 Days, shining a spotlight on community-based projects throughout the Western Cape. In a message from Renee Redelinghuys, Heart FM, Managing Director, she says:
“We’ve seen the impact made in the communities over the last two years and that these projects are not just once-off. Our 16 Days for Youth teams have been carrying out monthly visits to our beneficiaries and have reported on the progress and support received since our initial visits. It is heartening to know that we inspired this change and it is making a difference in the lives of those who need it. We look forward to touching the lives of those we meet on our next journey.”
Get involved with the project by lending a helping hand at one of the organisations on the journey, donating electricity via the Power Hour Whatsapp line. You can send your electricity token to 082 222 1049 or donating items on one of the projects wish list at http://16daysforyouth.com/beneficiaries/
Follow the journey on Facebook – @16daysforyouth on Twitter – @16daysforyouth or Instagram – @16daysforyouth to see how you can get involved.
African Grassroots 2018 Youth Day Classics
Youth development projects have always been an essential part of building and strengthening our communities. African Grassroots Hoops, a non-profit organisation using basketball to empower underprivileged boys and girls. The organisation also builds and revamps public basket courts. Their vision states the following: “Vision: The vision for AGH is to build and revamp basketball courts in disadvantaged areas for the youth of South Africa to use as a vehicle to develop them as leaders on and off the court.”
By now you are thinking “How can I get involved?”. Catch rising local and international basketball stars at the 2018 Youth Day Classics on Saturday, 16th and Sunday, 17th June at the CTICC. This is a great family event. The project not only revamps basketball courts but runs coaching clinics and partners with other NPOs.
Tickets for children are R25, adults pay R50 and VIP tickets are R500. Tickets can be bought via https://www.quicket.co.za/events/43548-youth-day-classic-2018-basketball-tournament/#/schedules.
Visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AfricanGrassrootHoops/
Pocket Money Market
We stumbled on the Pocket Money Market while looking through the Waterfront’s events section and were instantly curious. From the outside, it looks like it would be a market for kids selling various products to earn pocket money, but it is a lot more than that. Think about it this way: Picture young entrepreneurs starting at junior and high school level who have to submit an advert, complete an accounting sheet and meets a number of POS requirements in order to gain a certificate. A Plastic-Free Pledge has to be completed by all participants. It’s more than the average neighbourhood lemonade stand.
According to their website: “The Pocket Money Market has two main purposes: The primary objective is nurturing a spirit of entrepreneurship in young children with the long-term goal that more South Africans will be able to sustain themselves independently and possibly in a more flexible lifestyle conducive to less commuting and more active parenting which is often a challenge. The second objective is to bring real and immediate income generation to families where the means for the children to join the Pocket Money Market are simply not available, via the outreach programme.”
Get your kids involved by applying using the following form: https://goo.gl/forms/GMUm3D1ug8zugPB13
You can also enjoy an interactive talk from the Two Oceans Aquarium and meet their mascots.
Visit: https://www.waterfront.co.za/events/young-entrepreneurs-pocket-money-market-youth-day-2018/ for more information.
It is inspiring to see corporates, communities and individuals joining forces to celebrate Youth Day by giving back and raising awareness. We have purposefully chosen Cape Town events in the CBD. The 16 Days for Youth project culminates in a concert at the Waterfront. All these events/projects are accessible via public transport.
Durbanites unite!
If you live in and around Durban and would like to celebrate Youth Day a bit differently this year, then we’ve got you covered. The Archie Gumede Memorial Run is ideal for any fitness fundi who want to run for a good cause. This annual race takes place on Saturday, 16th June 2018 at 07:00. All proceeds go towards the Archie Gumede Foundation. Who is Archi Gumede? An anti-apartheid activist, a lawyer and politician and was also the leader of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the 1980s. Polity.org says: “The race will not only assist in preserving the legacy of Archie Gumede, but fits in with the Department’s objective of encouraging communities, especially the youth, to be active in sport and live healthy lifestyles.”
Visit: http://www.whatson.co.za/details.php?id=245121&event=Archie%20Gumede%20Memorial%20Run for more information.
If you are more into the arts, then the “Youth Poetry Jam” with MC Ewok will keep you entertained. This free event will be hosted by Spoken Word artist Iain EWOK Robinson and is in celebration of Youth Day, honouring our fallen heroes. Join in the day’s activities and register for the open mic session at 10:30.
Physical Address: Alliance Française de Durban, 22 Sutton Crescent, Corner Lilian Ngoyi Rd, Morningside
Visit http://www.alliance.org.za/events/durban/youth-day-2018–youth-poetry-jam-with-mc-ewok for more information.
Johannesburg, we haven’t forgotten about you!
Imagine being able to make an impact by only dedicating 3 and a half hours of your Saturday morning. BetterSA is an amazing organisation that allows you to do just that. Their website describes it as: ‘The Uber of volunteering’ Better SA’s Hop on Hop off volunteer bus service is taking all the hassle out of volunteering. The service is free of charge and each experience is fully facilitated, ensuring that volunteers make the biggest impact in the time they have available. The only requirement from the volunteer is that they book a spot on one of our buses, arrive and hop on. Better SA does the rest.
Here are two JHB based projects you can take part in on Youth Day:
Visit the Boys & Girls Club in Soweto and play educational games with the school kids.
Saturday, 16th June 2018 between 9:00am-11:30am
Bus departs: 14th Avenue District Shopping Centre car park, Cnr 14th Ave and Hendrik Potgieter Rd, Roodeport
Visit an old age home and spend time with the elderly painting nails for the ladies, doing hand massages, playing cards with them or just talking.
Saturday, 16th June 2018 between 9:00am-11:30am
Bus departs: James & Ethel Gray Park, North Road, Illovo
To book a slot on a bus you must complete this form https://www.bettersa.org/survey-form
Visit: https://www.bettersa.org/ for morning for information.
Recharge your inspiration by getting involved in one or more of these projects. “Whenever I am with energetic young people, I feel like a recharged battery.”- Nelson Mandela
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