Byline: Captain SA
On the morning of 23rd August 2024, the halls of the Winnie Mandela Library in Tembisa buzzed with energy and hope as young girls gathered to celebrate a milestone in their lives. The Gauteng Young Vision GEM (Girls Empowerment Movement) program, in collaboration with its main stakeholders, CMT, held its life skills training graduation ceremony. This event marked the culmination of weeks of hard work, learning, and personal growth for the participants. #YouthEmpowerment #GautengYoungVision
The program, a collaborative effort between Gauteng Young Vision, CMT, and the Winnie Mandela Library, aimed to equip young girls with essential skills needed to navigate the complexities of life. Elias Sibeko, a prominent figure in the community and a key leader at Gauteng Young Vision, highlighted the importance of such initiatives in shaping the futures of these young women. “Education is not just about academics; it’s about life skills, resilience, and the ability to overcome challenges,” Sibeko remarked during the event. #LifeSkills #CommunityLeadership
The curriculum was thoughtfully crafted to address various aspects of personal development, with each topic playing a crucial role in preparing the participants for the realities of life. The girls were first introduced to the concept of a Vision Board, a powerful tool for visualizing and setting goals. By creating these boards, they were able to map out their aspirations, providing them with a clear direction for their future endeavors. #GoalSetting #VisionBoard
Following this, the Passion Flower exercise encouraged the girls to explore their interests and passions, helping them identify what truly drives them. This activity was instrumental in fostering self-awareness and confidence, empowering the participants to pursue their dreams with conviction. #SelfAwareness #Empowerment
A significant part of the program was dedicated to addressing Drug and Alcohol Awareness. In a community where substance abuse can derail the lives of many young people, this topic was critical. The sessions focused on the dangers of drug and alcohol use, equipping the girls with knowledge and strategies to resist peer pressure and make informed decisions. #SubstanceAbusePrevention #HealthyChoices
Health education was another cornerstone of the program, with a session on PrEP (Pre-exposure Prophylaxis) providing the girls with vital information on HIV prevention. This topic, along with discussions on My Education and Job Hunt, emphasized the importance of staying healthy, pursuing education, and being proactive in seeking employment opportunities. #HIVPrevention #EducationMatters
The training also covered financial literacy, with sessions on Why Save and Resilience. These topics were designed to instill a sense of financial responsibility and the ability to bounce back from life’s setbacks. The girls learned practical skills on budgeting, saving, and the importance of resilience in achieving long-term goals. #FinancialLiteracy #Resilience
In addition to the valuable knowledge gained, the girls were also provided with a meal from Pedro’s Chicken and soft drinks, ensuring they were well-nourished throughout the day. This thoughtful gesture further reinforced the sense of community and care that underpins the GEM program. #CommunitySupport #Nourishment
As the event drew to a close, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. The graduates were not only leaving with certificates but with a newfound sense of purpose and direction. The life skills they had acquired would serve as a foundation for their future success, both personally and professionally. #AchievementUnlocked #FutureLeaders
Elias Sibeko, reflecting on the day, emphasized the lasting impact of the GEM program. “These young women are now equipped with the tools they need to succeed. They are the future leaders of our community, and today marks the beginning of their journey toward greatness.” #Leadership #EmpowerTheFuture
The graduation ceremony at the Winnie Mandela Library was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the power of education, empowerment, and community support. Through the GEM program, Gauteng Young Vision, with the unwavering support of stakeholders like CMT, continues to pave the way for a brighter future for the youth of Tembisa. #Empowerment #CommunityImpact
