Kate Forbes, a Grade 12 Dainfern College pupil, was recently recognised for receiving a gold award in the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment programme at an event hosted by the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls on 22 May.
The programme has proven itself to be a powerful developmental tool for young people and is based on four pillars comprising skill development, physical recreation, community service and the adventurous journey.
The involvement of young people in these four activities, with the mentorship of award leaders, changes their perception about themselves and their world. It teaches them about vital issues such as health, political and social life, as well as the environment.
Forbes, who has been involved with the programme for a number of years, explained that she had worked on projects including volunteer work with nursery schools in Diepsloot, building owl enclosures and working with young people, which she is most passionate about.
“I really enjoy volunteering my time… for me, you get back so much more than what you give. I know I have done a lot of work with animals, but I really enjoy making an impact on young students. They are always so appreciative,” Forbes said.
She explained that she became involved in community work through her school, which is very focused on giving back to the community and servant leadership.
Besides volunteer work, Forbes is also head girl of Dainfern College and received an honours blazer in academics. She plans on studying medicine or biological sciences after completing matric.
The programme has brought about change in the lives of more than 130 000 young people in South Africa since 1983.
