On Saturday 17 August Toastmasters International and the B.E.A.R Foundation held their youth leadership graduation at the Indaba Hotel.
Varushka Padayachi
Kgomotso Langa spoke about teenage pregnancy.
The 17 young ladies who were graduating explained that Toastmasters is a program which teaches public speaking and in doing so builds confidence.
The B.E.A.R foundation, which stands for ‘Bold’, ‘Empowerment’, ‘Affirmation’, ‘Redistribution’, is an organisation dedicated to the empowerment of young women from disadvantaged backgrounds so that they can become the leaders of tomorrow.
This incredible group of girls underwent a rigorous two month program with mentor and past toastmaster’s division governor, Henry Moyo.
They were also coached by Southern African public speaking champion, Jabulani ‘JB’ Mangena and a host of other Toastmasters maestros.
The graduation was the culmination of weeks of training and when Moyo played a video showing some of the girls when they first started, it was astounding to see the difference in them weeks later.
Moyo said, “When I started this program with these girls I understood that I would be teaching them and basically giving back to the community but now I understand that it was actually me who benefited most from giving. I want to thank these girls for actually teaching me more than I taught them.”
At the graduation the girls were also given motivation and inspiration by 2012 Business Woman of the Year, Margaret Hirsch, who told her own story of struggling through hardship to success and also demonstrated to the girls how important it is to know your own self worth.
Noluthando Hadebe delivering her speech entitled ‘There is a journey in everyone’s life called love.’
Kgomotso Langa
Sharlene Murapa delivering a speech entitled ‘My life uncovered’.
Margaret Hirsch inspired the girls with her success story.
Buyisiwe Mabuya from the Department of Education addresses the audience.
Southern African public speaking champion Jabulani Mangena with some of the girls from the program.
Past toastmasters division governor and career coach, Jenny Shiers.
Kgomotso Langa talks about teenage pregnancy.
Masego Moraka talks about her destiny.
Harriet Heymans from Ubank.
Nomzamo Gcwensa from B.E.A.R foundation addresses the audience.
Henry Moyo speaks about the Toastmasters youth leadership program.
Kgomotso Langa with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Mapaseka Mokokoane with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Ethel Dube with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Ntombizodwa Shabangu with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Nicol Monyepao with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Thandi Mosia with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Emma-Jane Lefuwa with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Tricia Mokitlane with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Rebecca Mamabolo with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Anna Mokwalakwala with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Masego Moraka with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
El;izabeth Dube with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Aphumle Mkalali with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Noluthando Hadebe with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch.
Sharlene Murapa with henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch
Shyllet Ndlovu with Henry Moyo and Margaret Hirsch