Teen (18) reaches out to her peers during her gap year
A gap year student uses her time to uplift and inspire young people in her community.
Olwethu Sigcu (18), a community youth leader and member of Prowess Youth Skills Development, has turned into an inspirational individual.
When Olwethu completed her matric, she wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do, so she decided to take a gap year. It was during this time she discovered her love for youth empowerment.
Now a project manager at Prowess Youth Skills Development, Olwethu decided to give up her time to inspire young people in her community. She implements community projects which influence the youth and assist with skills development.
“I matriculated from Spartan High School last year and decided to take a gap year during 2019. I chose to use my time to uplift young people in Kempton Park and Tembisa.“
In early 2019, Prowess Youth Skills Development was established with a mission to empower people between the ages of 13 and 35. Prowess stands out from the crowd because not only do they elevate young people, they also empower the youth to uplift others.
With the help of the organisation, the young woman has been instrumental in establishing and successfully implementing mechanisms such as job shadowing, basic computer classes, fire safety training, first-aid training and school visits.
“Through these projects, I managed to touch the lives of 2 132 young individuals in Kempton Park and Tembisa and managed to enrol 11 young leaders who I am training to become effective leaders. Especially those who have shown exemplary leadership qualities,” said Olwethu.
Her parents have been supportive of her decision: “They are proud of the change I’m bringing to the community. It makes them happy that I am doing something that is bringing change not only to the community but mostly to young individuals.
“I want the youth to know that we all are responsible for our futures and the generations to come. If we could all see it in that way and start doing something about the future now, the future shall surely be great,” said Olwethu.
