Taking over Tanzania
Estcourt lass Namutula Mukelabai speaks about her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
Girl Guides of South Africa chairperson Namutula Mukelabai recently returned from an educational and fruitful trip to Tanzania.
Namutula (22), an Estcourt lass, was selected to be part of a select group of Girl Guides at the 13th Africa Regional Conference from August 20 to 27.
The conference allows young leaders to discuss and dissect topical issues facing the ‘African child’, and provides a platform for them to inspire others on a national and international scale.
Namutula was accompanied to Tanzania by Girl Guides South Africa’s (GGSA) chief commissioner, Sizeka Rensburg, and her two deputies, Lindelwa Ximiya and Jean Dunn. Mentor Mbokiseng Moloi (who is also a regional commissioner) and former GGSA chairperson Nikkita Daniella Naidoo provided additional support for Namutula.
According to Namutula, the conference was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“Girl guiding plays an important role in shaping the future of millions of young girls and women, not only in Africa but around the world. The Africa region conference included interactive forums such as Surf Smart presentations; the Global Youth Movement; inclusive, diverse and relevant guiding; child protection, etc. I had the honour of representing youth at a panel discussion with three other chief commissioners from other member organisations,” she said.
Namutula is grateful for the opportunity to address attendees at the Africa Regional Conference about subjects that are close to her heart.
“Opportunities like these serve as a constant reminder to work harder and aim higher. I will continue to raise my voice in support of quality education, menstrual hygiene education, climate change, and women’s empowerment, and continue to be an activist. I’d like to thank everyone who helped make this journey a success. There is no better way to demonstrate that investing in youth is the path to sustainability. You have taught me so much. It was eye-opening to share a table with such dynamic minds. I drank from your wisdom pots; you all truly demonstrated a genuine reflection on how inter-generational dialogues can be beneficial and implemented. I truly believe that ‘a child who dines with elders has clean hands’. So, once again, thank you,” she concluded.
NOW READ: Neighbourhood Watch group comes as a welcome relief for crime prevention
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
