Western Cape Youth With a Desire to Improve Society Join TYPP

On 23 July 2017, 33 youth of the Western Cape were welcomed into The Young Patriots Programme (TYPP) in Gauteng. TYPP is a partnership between the national Department of Arts and Culture (DAC),  National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and its counterparts in other provinces.

They were introduced collectively with representatives of the other provinces from 23-25 July to the one-year programme that aims to educate youth about their history and heritage through practical experience. It targets out-of-school youth who will be placed at the DCAS Head Office, cultural facilities, museums as well as arts NGOs funded by DCAS.

Eventually TYPP will promote social cohesion and nation building by encouraging young people to become more conscious of and take pride in their nationality. The aim is to create a group of self-confident and fearless youth leaders who are ready to serve their country and are also aware of its past. They will become part of a movement of proud and caring young South African citizens. At the same time, they will be educated about their history, heritage and the role played by young people in the struggle for national liberation in South Africa. It will also instil an appreciation for our democracy and create job opportunities in the arts, culture and heritage sector.

Josua Nair who hails from Moorreesburg in the West Coast was overwhelmed by this opportunity and the exposure he received from TYPP. “I never thought I could be entrusted with the responsibility of selling and creating awareness about our rich heritage. I have learnt a lot about social cohesion”, said Josua.

DCAS encourages youth to participate in nation building. Let us continue to preserve and celebrate our history BETTER TOGETHER.