Young people in Hazyview and surrounding areas celebrated Youth Day differently this year. Instead of having only the youth march in school uniforms on June 16, some graduates also took part in their graduation gowns.
The march was organised by the Seed of Hope Community Development organisation. More than 130 young people attended the event. Organisations such as GRIP and the Black Child Foundation formed part of the programme.
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According to the organiser, Prince Nyundu, the march was meant to encourage the youth to take education seriously and to teach them that it does not end with Grade 12.
“The march served as commemoration of the youth of the Soweto Uprising of 1976. For us, it is a reminder of how far we’ve come with our education system – a reminder that we have opportunities. The struggle is not over as some are still not utilising the opportunity to access education and that is why graduates were asked to join the march, to set an example that the youth must continue learning and studying,” said Nyundu.
He also said the young people who attended the march were hungry for success.
He hopes that those with matric will further their studies and called on government and local businesses to hire young people when they have vacancies, especially in the area in which they operate. Young people were also urged to start creating their own jobs by starting their own business.
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“In the times that we are living in, we need youngsters who will be innovative, create their own jobs and employ fellow young people. We also need the government and private sector to come to our aid,” said Nyundu.
GRIP and the Black Child Foundation talked to the young people about substance abuse, crime, bullying and sexual abuse. They urged them to stay away from anything that would ruin their future, and to only focus on empowering themselves through education, start their own businesses and look after themselves.
