Provincial Youth Camp Adds Value to Lives

Hundreds of youths from across the Western Cape have gathered to gain leadership skills, build a sense of patriotism and practice social inclusion. The Provincial Youth Camp was officially launched by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, in partnership with Sport and Recreation South Africa (SRSA) and other entities, at the Steinthal Estate in Tulbagh on Sunday, 30 September 2012.

Activities and workshops structured around the themes of social inclusion, leadership and national identity will take place at the camp from 29 September to 6 October 2012. The department previously led two regional camps for youths from the Boland and South Western District (SWD) regions at the SOS Wild in Villiersdorp (31 August – 1 September 2012) and for those from the Metro and West Coast regions at Waterval in Tulbagh (7 – 9 September 2012). The aim of the camp is to develop the youths on the basis of these three themes, identified by the SRSA as priorities for the positive mobilisation of the youth.

The Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Dr Ivan Meyer, was given a warm welcome with cultural items presented by the youths. The minister said that the programmes at the camp add value to the lives of the participants. “We are transforming lives in the true South African spirit of Ubuntu, and this inspires us to take this experience back to our communities,” Dr Meyer said. He urged the 275 participants to reach out to each other during the camp and to promote the value of the “Better Together” message.

The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in the Western Cape praised the youths, the department and their partners for having such a positive impact on the youths. The department presents an opportunity for youths to rely on each other and to grow in confidence through teamwork and leadership development.