Learners at Modiri Secondary School in Ga-Rankuwa recently participated in a youth empowerment session led by the Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), aimed at equipping young people with life skills, leadership qualities and confidence to make positive decisions.
The visit formed part of the organisation’s Transformative Masculinity Programme, as well as its life skills training and youth advocacy initiatives, which focus on guiding young people to build respectful relationships and become responsible members of their communities.
During the session, YMCA facilitators conducted interactive workshops and discussions with learners. The activities focused on themes such as leadership, self-awareness, gender equality, respect and the importance of young people speaking up about issues affecting them.
Learners also participated in group activities designed to help them reflect on personal values, decision-making and the role they can play in shaping positive change within their communities.
Phuthegi Mashigo, General Secretary and Executive Director of the Ga-Rankuwa YMCA, said the programme aims to empower young people with the tools they need to make positive life choices.
“The purpose of our visit was to engage learners through the YMCA’s Transformative Masculinity Programme, life skills training and advocacy initiatives. These programmes aim to empower young people with knowledge, confidence and positive values that help them make responsible decisions and build respectful relationships,” Mashigo said.
The YMCA explained that schools such as Modiri Secondary were chosen because communities like Ga-Rankuwa have many young people who can benefit from programmes that promote personal development and social awareness.
The organisation supports young people through programmes such as life skills and leadership development, youth advocacy and civic engagement, mentorship initiatives and community development projects.
Mashigo said many young people in communities such as Ga-Rankuwa face challenges including peer pressure, unemployment, lack of mentorship, gender-based violence and limited opportunities.
“Young people often face many social challenges, and our programmes aim to give them a safe space to learn life skills, develop leadership qualities and gain the confidence to become responsible leaders in their communities,” Mashigo said.
The organisation hopes initiatives like the visit to Modiri Secondary School will empower learners to make informed decisions, focus on their education and become advocates for positive change in their communities.
The YMCA also aims to build long-term partnerships with schools in Ga-Rankuwa and surrounding communities so that more learners can benefit from youth development programmes.
In Gauteng, the organisation currently operates three branches, two in the City of Tshwane and one in Soweto, and plans to expand its presence to reach more communities across the province.
Part of this expansion includes partnerships with universities such as Tshwane University of Technology, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University and the University of Johannesburg, which will serve as hubs for youth leadership development, advocacy and community outreach.
Through these partnerships, university students will also be encouraged to mentor school learners and participate in community development initiatives aimed at empowering young people.
The YMCA encouraged schools and community organisations to collaborate with the organisation by hosting youth workshops and supporting mentorship and leadership development programmes.
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