Another of our goals is to facilitate establishing a full-fledged youth institute, which will train not only experienced youth workers but also fully qualified youth pastors. Many of our young people are already involved in service-year teams. These young people dedicate their lives for a season to practical ministry and evangelism training. Their aim is to reach the youth culture of South Africa for Christ. While their commitment is generally in one-year increments, many of them stay for three or four years. Along with their numerous and ongoing outreaches, students also carry a significant academic load. Work is already underway to convert their efforts and studies into an accredited program, up to a bachelor's degree.
Today's Learners . . . Tomorrow's Leaders is the theme of our youth development initiatives. We endeavor to develop sustainable programs that will address core issues among the youth, particularly at-risk youth, of South Africa. To that end, we deliver ongoing, high-impact training modules culminating. We employ a three-phase process to achieve our goals: (1) Preparation, (2) Proclamation, and (3) Preservation.
Preparation . . . the highlights of this phase are recruiting a team from the host community to assist in the execution; awareness campaigns in schools, communities, and churches; leadership seminar & breakaway for leaders from schools; and confirmation of companies participating in exhibitions.
Proclamation . . . emphasizes the execution of the main event. Media coverage involve local and national newspapers, local and national radio stations, youth-oriented magazines, national and satellite television, as well as banners and posters.
Preservation . . . this crucial element focuses on aftercare and follow-up in schools, feedback from the sponsors, impact assessment evaluation among the teams and participants, and taking best practices and planning for the following National Youth Day.
We are dedicated to providing encouragement, hope, and support for the youth of South Africa to believe in themselves, follow their dreams, and fulfill their life's purpose. In our fast-paced, high-tech society, we often forget the basics. Our emphasis is on the basics and we focus on each individual's internal motivation, just waiting to be discovered. Every person has it . . . we are here to help you find it, develop it, and keep it!
Education is the great engine of personal development. It is through education that the daughter of a peasant can become a doctor, that the son of a mine worker can become the head of the mine, that the child of farm workers can become the president of a great nation. It is what we make out of what we have, not what we are given, that separates one person from another . . .. Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.
NELSON MANDELA
Former South African President
1993 Nobel Peace Prize Winner