Youth Inspired at Second Regional Camp | Western Cape Government

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Youth Inspired at Second Regional Camp

9 September 2012

 

Activities and workshops structured around the themes of social inclusion, leadership and national identity inspired 184 youths from the West Coast and Metro regions to make a difference in their communities. The second regional youth camp, led by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), brought together youths between the ages of 14 and 25 at Waterval in Tulbagh from 7 to 9 September 2012.

The programme's emphasis on the importance of trust and teamwork had a positive impact on many participants. Semone Ownhouse (22), a student at the University of the Western Cape, had no idea that disabled people would participate alongside the able-bodied, or that different age groups would participate. "It was really a beautiful thing to engage with others and be able to share our life experiences with one another. This taught us that we can trust each other when working together," she said.

The department is pleased at having achieved its objectives around social inclusion, leadership and national identity - all themes previously identified by the national Department of Sport and Recreation as being important for positive mobilisation of the youth. Deputy Director Mr Ronald Gabriel (Western Cape Youth Camp Coordinator) said that the camp highlighted the value of the "Better Together" message. This could be seen in the way DCAS worked in successful partnership with the departments of Community Safety, Social Development, Correctional Services, as well as Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA). The different departments had assisted with recruitment, as well as providing team leaders and staff to assist with the camp - an integrated governmental approach which had contributed to a powerful experience for the young people attending the camp.

A total of 300 youths will be selected from this regional youth camp at Tulbagh, as well as the previous week's regional camp in Villiersdorp, for a provincial camp at the Steinthal Estate in Tulbagh (29 September - 6 October 2012). Through meaningful partnerships, the department ensured that the participants left the camp with valuable life lessons for the future.

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis@westerncape.gov.za