Diazville Primary makes the Western Cape proud at YCAP Nationals

Diazville Primary makes the Western Cape proud at YCAP Nationals

20 October 2025

Diazville Primary School from Saldanha achieved outstanding results at the 2025 Youth Citizens Action Programme (YCAP) Nationals held in Johannesburg this past weekend.

The school’s project, titled “Lend a Helping Hand”, focused on addressing social challenges, specifically poverty and giving back. The five-member team, Amber Bartlett, Anchen Brand, Lauren Minaar, Vernay Arendse and Vernine Arendse, used service and compassion to make a real difference in their community.

The team handed out scarves and beanies to grandmothers in caregiving roles, delivered care packs to the elderly, served soup and donated clothes to families in need. They also cleaned and supported local early childhood development centres and made sandwiches for learners in the school’s feeding programme.  They used only donated items and no money, showing that real change comes from the heart, not wealth.

Their project proved sustainable, with ongoing donation boxes at school ensuring that the giving continues for years to come.

Representing the Western Cape, the Diazville girls impressed judges with their passion, teamwork and community impact, earning second place overall, second place for best presentation and third place for best budget among teams from all nine provinces.

YCAP mentor Monique Samuels shared her pride, saying: “I am extremely proud of our girls! Their confidence, drive and willingness to help, as well as their ability to adapt to any situation, had me in awe. I am honoured to have worked with them. They made every obstacle worth it!”

For the Diazville team, it was not only about competition but also about growth. The trip to Johannesburg marked their first-ever flight, an unforgettable experience for these small-town learners who have proven that with dedication and heart, they can soar far beyond expectations.