- The YearBeyond Annual Youth Conference, hosted at the University of the Western Cape, celebrated a decade of the youth-in-service programme.
- Featuring over 70 speakers the conference encouraged youth to embrace new opportunities and develop essential skills.
- The programme, which has positively impacted over 70% of its participants, continues to foster the next generation of South African leaders.
The YearBeyond Annual Youth Conference, hosted by the provincial department of cultural affairs and sport, was held at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) this past weekend (from 12 to 14 July).
This year marks the 10th year of YearBeyond’s existence. This youth-in-service programme was established by the Western Cape Government to offer youth the opportunity to gain valuable in-service training, while also gaining skills to enable them to apply for further work or study opportunities. Youth on the programme also give back to their communities through the work that they do.
The conference featured seminars, workshops, and activities designed to inspire and develop attendees, enhancing their agency, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.
Over 70 speakers and contributors from diverse fields enriched the experience. Under the theme: “GoBeyond: Shape Your Future” the event aimed to provide crucial support and inspiration to the youth, helping them navigate their future through the transformative university environment.
Former volunteers or YeBoneers as they are known, Ronique Wilson and Nelson Bila, who benefited from the programme, engaged in a panel discussion on the importance of embracing opportunity and showing up for yourself.
Growing up in Manenberg without parents, Wilson faced a bleak future. After being initially rejected by YearBeyond, she applied repeatedly until she was accepted.
Her perseverance ignited a passion for education, and she secured a bursary to further her studies after completing the programme. Today, Wilson is a counsellor working to support learners who need assistance.
Musa Motha, a passionate soccer player who refused to let cancer and an amputation hold him back, captivated the audience with a mesmerising dance performance and shared his story of overcoming adversity.
Purpose
In between sessions, attendees had the opportunity to participate in activities they may not necessarily engage with daily in an active and creative space, like rock painting, yoga and drumming.
The programme encourage young people to always try something different, pick up new skills, and seek different opportunities to make connections.
On Saturday the plenary continued with the theme of showing up and breaking the mould. Chaeli Mycroft, the first quadriplegic woman to summit Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, who was awarded the 2013 World of Children Award (Youth category) and named a 2018 Obama Foundation African Leader, shared her story with the group.
On Sunday motivational speaker Thabani Mtsi spoke to the attendees before the official closing was done by provincial minister of cultural affairs and sport, Ricardo Mackenzie. A 10-year celebration YeBo song was also launched.
YearBeyond recognises the immense potential within young people and, with the proper support, aims to enable dreams and unlock tenacity, fostering the next generation of leaders.
A recent impact study by YearBeyond revealed significant outcomes. Over 70% of participants remain active in the economy and their communities after completing the programme.
The annual GoBeyond conference inspires and empowers youth with a sense of purpose and community service to help shape South Africa’s future.
Visit www.yearbeyond.org for more information about the programme.
