ZAMDELA – For many young people in Zamdela, furthering studies at a university level is something taboo.
But one church is using graduates as a way to remove the spirit of motivation in many discouraged youths.
This past Sunday, May 7, the City of Lights and Restoration – Full Gospel Church organized an education Sunday service.
During the service, scores of congregants wore their graduation regalia including gowns, and mortar boards as a way to motivate pupils from different schools.
Dressed in their school uniform, Grade 12s from a number of local schools attended the service to listen to speakers invited as guests.
Two executive mayors from local municipalities, Jeff Zwane from Metsimaholo and Pule Phooko from Moqhaka graced the event, with the Free State Provincial Premier Mxolisi Dukwana as the guest speaker to deliver the keynote address.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, head pastor at the church, Reverend Thabiso Mashiloane explained the background of the service.
“We started the event in 2019 with the purpose of promoting education. We have realized that many young people have lost the ambition to further their studies due to the high unemployment rate. As a church we believe we got a role to play in reminding the youth that education is still a key to success and it can still open many doors for them,” he said.
“We cannot dispute the fact that we are faced with the high unemployment rate in our country, however, the minimal opportunities that are there, should be catered for those who continue to study further,” he added.
Reverend said they honored graduates as a plan to make education fashionable.
“We honored those who recently graduated in their different fields of study,” he said.
Dozens wore their graduation gowns and glared with different faculty belts.
“The purpose of dressing into graduation attire is to entice those who are still up and coming, and aim to plow a sense of hope that anyone can still become an educated individual,” he said.
Each year different community role models are invited to be guest speakers and motivational speakers during the event.
According to Reverend, this year’s guest speaker was a community leader with a passion for education.
“We always rope in societal role models, and this year we got the opportunity of bringing the Premier of Fezile Dabi who is passionate about education. We would like to thank him for honoring the invitation and delivering a powerful and profound keynote address,” he said.
Addressing the crowd who packed the church to full capacity and external temporary tents erected outside the church, Mayor Zwane said “Congratulations to all graduates whom we are here to celebrate with. Let your achievement continue to inspire your peers. Do not let negative and toxic people to rent space in your head”.
Dukwana who gave a profound speech told the graduates not to forget where they come and should always use education as a special tool.
