Youth Day: Ten questions answered

The first question was what, according to the children, is Youth Day all about? Chris Bill feels Youth Day is about honouring the youth’s accomplishments and celebrating the influence the youth has on society. It is a commemoration to all the youth that put their lives on the line to try and change the world they live in. Stefan on the other hand felt that Youth Day is a way to celebrate and commemorate the rights and privileges of the youth of South Africa.

When asked if they have any young heroes or roll models, Chris responded that his young hero is Malala Yousoufzai (the Pakistani campaigner for education for girls). In true rugby loving style, Stefan says Richie McCaw the retired All Black rugby captain is his hero, although mister McCaw might feel quite pleased as being seen as a youthful hero these days.

On the question what change they would most like to see take place in the name of our country’s youth, Chris responded that he’d like to see the youth being more involved in community building and charity work. Stefan dreams of a day where South Africans can stand together and in peace buil our country’s future.

The Herald next raised an issues that worries many a local parent. Drugs are becoming a massive problem in our country amongst the youth. Is something we should be worried about in our town?

Chris doesn’t think it’s something to worry about at this point in time however he does feel that the town can take certain precautions that will ensure that we never have to worry about drugs. Stefan does not see drugs as a problem amongst school children at all.

Both boys were next asked what parents could do to stop drugs in this town before it does become a problem amongst school children. Chris thinks there are many ways in which parents can prevent drug use, the parents can sit down with their children and educate them about the dangers of drug use, the earlier the parents can have this talk the better! Stefan feels that a tight family unit will solve the problem naturally by teaching their children decent values.

The boys were next asked where in South Africa, if they had a choice, they would spend Youth Day. Chris wants to go to the Iziko South African Museum and Stefan would’ve preferred to spend Youth Day at a big sporting event with his friends.

The boys were asked what their school does to celebrate Youth Day? Chris told the Herald that unfortunately it falls during the exam, when everybody is studying and we can’t do something as a group, but awareness of our responsibilities are high priority at our school. Stefan also said the exams hindered the school in celebrating Youth Day, but pointed out that everyday at Merensky is spent celebrating and uplifting the youth.

On the question whether there are enough activities in school, Chris answered in the positive. He is sure that everyone can find something that they enjoy around town. Stefan was not so sure, he told the Herald that his school had enough activities for the youth, but not so much the town.

When asked what other activities they would like to see added to the town, Chris answered group building activities that bring the youth together and teaches them how to work as a team and how to be leaders and have fun at the same time as they learn. Stefan was more ambitious in his wishlist with an ice rink, a cinema and an (open!) public swimming pool making his list.

Lastly the Herald wanted to know at what age the boys thought a person was old. Chris took the diplomatic route by saying some people are old at 18 and some are young at 90, you are only as old as you feel, but if I had to pick a specific age I would say that you become old at 60. Stefan, not one to mince words said straight up thet people older than 40 would be considered old by him.