Learners from Reddam House Waterfall joined peers from across Gauteng in rolling up their sleeves to serve communities through The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment (TPA) gold award residential project.

As part of the five-day programme, participants visited the Society for Animals in Distress (Said) in Midrand on July 10, where they assisted with maintenance projects to improve the environment for rescued animals, while learning about responsible animal welfare.

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TPA, the South African member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, develops young people into confident, responsible, and compassionate leaders through service, skills development, physical recreation, and adventurous journeys. To achieve the prestigious gold award, participants must complete an additional five-day residential project away from home, working alongside peers while contributing to meaningful community initiatives.

Award leader Vejay Reddy said the programme caters for young people aged 14 to 24. “We have got the gold participants here currently. They’re going through an 18-month programme, and it’s basically, if you’re going to say it, scouts on steroids.

“It’s a very rigorous programme, but it’s also enjoyable. It piggybacks, or double-backs, onto their school curricula and extracurricular activities as well. It’s actually a very rewarding programme. I think the foundation of the programme is that its principles are to bring about self-discipline, unity, skills, and leadership, which is fundamental in today’s society. So, that’s what the President’s Award is about in a nutshell.”

Unlike traditional leadership programmes, participants choose the skills they want to develop. “Learners actually craft the programme themselves. Skills could be from baking, cooking, driving, and music to advanced maths, advanced English, or whatever advanced academic programmes.”

The residential project began on July 7, with leadership workshops, orientation sessions, and team-building exercises before participants embarked on various community service activities.

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Over the next days, they cleaned the Vorna Valley Taxi Rank, sorted donated clothing for homeless people and orphanages, prepared meals for a community feeding scheme, volunteered at Said, and concluded the programme by preparing and serving lunch to about 200 people through a community feeding initiative.

Throughout the week, participants were encouraged to step outside their comfort zones, while developing leadership skills and experiencing the impact of community service.

Learner and participant Sibusiso Mtotywa said the programme was both enjoyable and meaningful. “I joined the President’s Award because I thought that it would be like a fun experience with all of the people. I started the residential project about three days ago. The first day, my mentor told me [to] just find who you are, and that the President Award is like a really good way because it’s difficult to find your purpose in life, so this would be a really good experience to help us through that journey.”

She said the week’s activities have shown her the value of serving others. “I think that I’m actually making a difference, even though I know that they are like problems all around the world. I feel like when I come and help around with these types of organisations because I know that they are NPOs, so, I think that any way that I can contribute would really be helpful.”

Fellow participant Murunwa Ntsandeni said the programme has strengthened both her confidence and commitment to community service. “I joined the President’s Award to make a difference in my community, to sharpen my own soft skills, and to make friends, even though most of my friends are already in it. Also, to gain experience. The President’s Award has helped me with my confidence. I find that it’s easier to talk to people. I also enjoy helping out the community.”

Grab a copy of Midrand Reporter to get more insights about the programme.

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