Absa Bank’s charity arm, Sešego Cares, has provided 22 young people from the Twilight Children’s Home in Hillbrow with the opportunity to participate in President Jacob Zuma’s Award Programme.
Endorsed by the presidency, the programme seeks to empower the youth to chart their own path of self-discovery, development and growth. Through the President’s Award Programme, they will be exposed to key leadership fundamentals including skills development, recreation and community service.
“Development is one of the cornerstones of empowerment. We are proud to be able to give this gift to the 22 young men who have been selected,” says Annemarie Mostert, national co-ordinator of Sešego Cares.
Life skills
“Ultimately, we want to make a lasting impression on these young men by providing them with knowledge and life-skills. Through the programme, they will gain clarity on important issues such as health, political and social considerations as well as the environment. Completion of the programme will also equip the individual for further training and work,” adds Mostert.
“We believe that as these youngsters integrate the values of the programme into their lives, they will become sufficiently empowered to at least attempt to turn their dreams into realities. This was the fundamental reason behind Absa’s contribution towards the programme.”
Future leaders
Mostert emphasizes that empowered youth could make informed choices and were more likely to become leaders in their respective communities.
“Since its inception 28 years ago, the President’s Award Programme has not only helped about 100 000 young people in South Africa on the path towards reaching their full potential, it has also ensured that South Africa’s youth are challenged to look beyond their barriers and to set forward-looking goals for themselves.
“Noting the value of initiatives such as these, we encourage corporate South Africa to show their support for programmes that empower our youth. This, ultimately, contributes to the long-term well-being of our country,” concludes Mostert.