Helping young people reach their potential
KwaThema – In the spirit of empowering young minds the Sechaba Advancement Foundation hosted a youth empowerment convention over the weekend.
The gathering was conducted at the Reformed Apostolic Church, where young and old united under one roof to be empowered.
“From Dream to Destiny” which was the theme for the day, provided youth with an opportunity to be addressed on self-identity, leadership, business and life skills, career guidance, how to start up NGOs, teenage pregnancy, drugs and education on HIV/Aids and support.
The first guest speaker, Nkosinathi Lukhele addressed youth on callings and self-identity.
Young people were encouraged to write down what their dreams are, and do research to ensure they become successful and get positive results.
The second speaker, Vuyo Mbuli spoke on talents and encouraged youth to equip themselves with skills to enhance these.
He further spoke on dreams and how it is important to not let them die.
“Believe in yourself and your dream and keep working on it until something positive happens,” he encouraged.
Vusi Yende of the foundation says, “We are teaching these young people how to become excellent leaders, pushing them to get informed and the importance of them associating themselves with positive people who can assist them in leadership.
“In addition to everything we are talking about business, drafting business plans, budget, branding, marketing and how to search for funding.
“We are further discussing matters of HIV/Aids, drugs, teenage pregnancy and how these can affect their future,” he says.
Tshepo Kgeletsane spoke on music and how to build a career in music, writing songs and what youth should do if they have plans to record.
Hope Yende (20) who was present says the session was helpful as it taught him a lot about himself.
“I learnt everyone has a dream and purpose; however, it is up to you how you find it and how you succeed.
“This will help me in realising my dreams and potential as it’s helped me see where I am, where I am going and how I am going to get there,” he says.
Thato Sekele (24) says what he will take from the convention is that everyone is born with a purpose and no one is born useless.
“We all need to fulfil our purpose which God has given us the will to do.
“For this to happen though, everything within you must propel you to reach this purpose, because if you have a positive attitude you can do all things.
“Just set your mind right and all will work out,” he encourages.
