Passion for youth gives birth to academy

Denise Cille is empowering and developing youth through the gap-year programme, at 3D Academy, in Airfield.

Denise Cille, a Farrarmere resident, has accomplished so much in her life, but still aims to reach and empower more youth.

BCT: How long have you been working with young people?

DC: I began working with the youth shortly after leaving school.

Their passion for life and hope for the future makes them an absolute joy to work with.

I love that youngsters debate and try to make sense of the world and I love to be part of their growth and development.

BCT: What has your experience been like working with the youth?

DC: I taught isiZulu and life orientation at Shanan Christian School and Wordsworth High School while studying psychology part-time and developed a deep concern for the emotional struggles that young people face.

On completion of my honours degree, I did a six-month internship at the Tara H Moross Psychiatry Hospital to qualify as a psychometrist.

I then opened a community counselling centre in Airfield and became the school counsellor at Shanan for many years.

After developing the curriculum for 3D Academy, we opened our doors in 2008 and have spent the past nine years investing in the youth of our community – equipping them with the skills and character they need to succeed in life.

BCT: What are your goals and aspirations?

DC: I strive to live a life of balance.

A couple of years ago I started playing the cello and want to become proficient in playing this beautiful instrument.

I love hiking (having recently completed the Fish River Canyon trail).
I aim to run my first marathon six months from now.

As for the 3D programme, I want to see that the programme begins to have a bigger “footprint” in South Africa.

Our vision is to establish additional campuses in Bloemfontein and Cape Town.

We are also in the process of launching three-day workshops specifically catering for unemployed youth in Benoni.

BCT: What drives your passion for young people?

DC: I see a generation of creative, energetic, and determined young people desperately in need of mentorship and guidance. My heart’s desire is to empower young people.

I believe that – given the right tools – they can discover that purpose at the outset of their adult life.

BCT: What is your motto in life?

DC: I pray that I may have eyes that see the best in people, a heart that forgives the worst in people, a mind that forgets the bad and a soul that never loses faith in God.

BCT: What would you say you’ve learned – and others could learn – from working with young people?

DC: Young people tackle life with a relentless enthusiasm.

Working with young people challenges your own stagnant thinking.