Upliftment at the 2014 Provincial Youth Camp

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sports, along with its partners, the Department of Sports and Recreation South Africa and loveLife, proudly hosted the 2014 Provincial Youth Camp in Waterval Lodge in Tulbagh. The camp was held from 5-11 October, offering the 300 youths who attended the opportunity to gain valuable life skills and lessons in nation building.

During the camp, the born frees took part in a community upliftment project, giving a local clubhouse a makeover. The youth were responsible for cleaning and painting the outside of the building. This gave the youth an opportunity to work together as a team, and to learn what can be done when people work together. 

Of the 300 youths that participated in the youth camp, ten outstanding youths were elected by their peers as representatives for each of their groups.  These ten individuals will go on to attend the Western Cape Youth Camp Forum.

Cornelius Malgas, acting regional manager for the West Coast District, said that the camp is important for youths from rural areas because they sometimes undervalue themselves. “The camp is a good opportunity to make them realise that they have a positive role to play within their communities and broader society within South Africa” said Malgas.

One of the youths elected to take part in the Western Cape Youth Camp Forum, Jaydene Adams from the Cape Winelands region, said that they were given the opportunity learn about leadership skills and social cohesion. “I have learnt about team work, how to work together and unite  and to commit to a team, and that each one of us is different, different cultures and different races. What I can take back is that charity starts at home and that I can help my community members so that I can broaden my social network and we can help each other” said Jaydene.

Thabo Tutu from DCAS said “The aim of the camp is to help youths know what they stand for”. The youth camps are held to motivate and strengthen the youths to take the country into their own hands for a better future. DCAS provides the opportunity for youth to take part in these camps. We urge young people to attend these camps and to take important lessons from them. Let’s invest in and empower our youth BETTER TOGETHER.