Conflict resolution, skills development and finding motivation through adversity were the topics at the Youth Voices Conference held at Clarendon High School this weekend.
The three-day conference, which kicked off on Saturday morning, is being hosted by the newly formed East London Youth Association.
About 50 youths listened to issues pitched at professional adults and seemed to relish being spoken to at this level.
Chairwoman Rebecca Mqamelo said their vision had been to bring together leaders in different fields from across South Africa to talk to the youth on issues ranging from career choices to how to deal with conflict.
Speakers at the conference included Discovery South Africa executive and motivational speaker Dr Dumani Kula, education consultant Jonathan Godden, non-violent conflict resolution expert Rommel Roberts, Mail & Guardian arts editor Milisuthando Bongela and art therapy councillor Ann Teubes.
Mqamelo said the idea was inspired by a Youth Voices Conference she had attended last year.
“My deputy chairperson and I attended and had an amazing time. We thought it would be great to bring something like that to East London. We don’t get enough opportunities for young people to get together and have conferences in a professional environment where you invite speakers.
“We don’t get that kind of stimulation in our communities. This is about expanding your knowledge, exposing people to new topics and new ideas. These are things that you wouldn’t really talk about in a school environment,” Mqamelo said.
Kula stressed the importance of finding a top-quality peer group at all levels in life.
“It’s important for young people to understand relationships. They need to be able to discern the kinds of people we need in our lives at different stages and how we interact with different people at different levels – those below us, those above us and those that are close to us.”
Godden explained how the apartheid regime had affected education, with some of those challenges still present today.
There were also interactive sessions, discussions and practicals thrown into the mix.
Delegate Heather Sandison said she wanted to be around like-minded young people who were eager to learn.
“I’m really interested in bettering myself and the country,” she said.
Monalisa Johnson said it was a great youth empowerment opportunity while Anathi Matyile said: “This kind of thing helped me leave my comfort zone. It helps shy people gain confidence.”
Mqamelo said: “We always want people to come to these things knowing that they’re going to be educated. It’s not just some fun event for young people to hang out. We want to sit down and talk about what it means to be a young person? How can I practically do something to change the world around me? I really hope the youth of East London don’t take these kind of things for granted.”
Youth stimulated to face challenges, adopt new ideas
The three-day conference, which kicked off on Saturday morning, is being hosted by the newly formed East London Youth Association.
About 50 youths listened to issues pitched at professional adults and seemed to relish being spoken to at this level.
Chairwoman Rebecca Mqamelo said their vision had been to bring together leaders in different fields from across South Africa to talk to the youth on issues ranging from career choices to how to deal with conflict.
Speakers at the conference included Discovery South Africa executive and motivational speaker Dr Dumani Kula, education consultant Jonathan Godden, non-violent conflict resolution expert Rommel Roberts, Mail & Guardian arts editor Milisuthando Bongela and art therapy councillor Ann Teubes.
Mqamelo said the idea was inspired by a Youth Voices Conference she had attended last year.
“My deputy chairperson and I attended and had an amazing time. We thought it would be great to bring something like that to East London. We don’t get enough opportunities for young people to get together and have conferences in a professional environment where you invite speakers.
“We don’t get that kind of stimulation in our communities. This is about expanding your knowledge, exposing people to new topics and new ideas. These are things that you wouldn’t really talk about in a school environment,” Mqamelo said.
Kula stressed the importance of finding a top-quality peer group at all levels in life.
“It’s important for young people to understand relationships. They need to be able to discern the kinds of people we need in our lives at different stages and how we interact with different people at different levels – those below us, those above us and those that are close to us.”
Godden explained how the apartheid regime had affected education, with some of those challenges still present today.
There were also interactive sessions, discussions and practicals thrown into the mix.
Delegate Heather Sandison said she wanted to be around like-minded young people who were eager to learn.
“I’m really interested in bettering myself and the country,” she said.
Monalisa Johnson said it was a great youth empowerment opportunity while Anathi Matyile said: “This kind of thing helped me leave my comfort zone. It helps shy people gain confidence.”
Mqamelo said: “We always want people to come to these things knowing that they’re going to be educated. It’s not just some fun event for young people to hang out. We want to sit down and talk about what it means to be a young person? How can I practically do something to change the world around me? I really hope the youth of East London don’t take these kind of things for granted.”
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