Youth enjoy learning new skills

CANDICE BRADFIELD

YOUTH in Motion participants not only had fun during their week in Port Alfred which was filled with activities, but also learned many essential skills like teamwork and what to do in emergency situations.

Isme Oosthuizen, a 15-year-old and from Alexandria, said the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture youth camp had been a lot of fun last week.

"We learnt to work as a group and about trusting each other,” she said.

Iyamangalisa Zephe, a 15-year-old pupil from Tsomo, was happy about the experience he had at the camp and said they had learnt how to work with each other.

He found the CPR course beneficial as he was taught how to help someone in an emergency. His favourite activity was the computer class.

Sixteen-year-old Sinovuyo Mgoqi from Ginsberg said they had learnt how to communicate with each other. She said they were also taught how to manage their finances. The CPR course and the swimming had been her favourite activities.

One of the older campers, 23-year-old office administration student Neo Moleko from Sterkspruit, said: "I have had a wonderful experience, one of the best in my life.”

He said they had learnt about social cohesion and nation building. He had also learnt about socialising with other people and all about leadership. His favourite activity had been the CPR course where he was taught skills that he will be able to use to help his community.

Stenden South Africa awarded a full bursary for a bachelor in commerce hospitality management at the closing ceremony last Friday. Five applicants were interviewed during the week by the admissions committee of Stenden South Africa. Specific criteria like natural flair, matric, age exemption, academic performance, and commitment were all considered.

"The decision proved to be challenging as the top two finalists were both so well suited,” said public relations officer Lindy Thurgood.

Amanda Zono, an orphaned young girl from Cookhouse, was selected for the bursary. She currently helps out in various charities on a voluntarily basis where she lives.

At the closing ceremony, academic dean and general manager Wouter Hensens handed over the three-year Dr Isaac Mabindisa bursary to Zono who was overwhelmed.

"I don't think we realize often enough the impact we can make with what we do. To me it has become clear that we do more than just educate. When we do our jobs well, we change lives. This past week we have changed lives by showing young people what is out there, that they can master skills they did not know before, and to let them behave like leaders when they thought only others could,” Hensens said.

He said that generally it had all gone very well and that the success of the event was due to a team effort. He said they would be tendering to hold the same event again next year when they plan to make the event more representative across racial and cultural lines.