Young people from across Gauteng gathered at Lanto Montessori International Schools in President Park for a two-day 4Q Camp, hosted by the Chong-De Cultural and Educational Foundation in partnership with the school on July 11 and 12.

The programme attracted over 50 learners from schools across Midrand, Pretoria, Soweto, and other parts of Gauteng, offering participants an opportunity to develop life skills through the foundation’s internationally recognised 4Q model.

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The camp focused on four key areas of personal development: Intelligence quotient (IQ), emotional quotient (EQ), adversity quotient (AQ), and moral quotient (MQ), through interactive workshops, team-building activities, cultural exchanges, and leadership exercises.

Foundation managing director Dr Nelson Yang said the programme was designed to help young people develop essential life skills that are often overlooked in traditional education. “For this 4Q Camp, we focus on IQ, EQ, AQ, and MQ. These four quotients are very important for teenagers because many young people lack this knowledge, yet it is essential throughout their lives.”

He explained that the foundation has successfully hosted similar camps in countries including Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, with South Africa now hosting its fourth edition.

Yang said the foundation chose to partner with Lanto Montessori because of the school’s emphasis on moral values and its openness to learning from different cultures. “We appreciate the vision of the founder, Madame Anna [Difo], who values morality and traditional Chinese culture. We hope this programme will create a strong foundation, starting at Lanto International Schools, before expanding to other schools, communities, and, ultimately, across South Africa.”

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Yang said the foundation believes the principles rooted in traditional Chinese culture, inspired by philosophers such as Confucius and Laozi, can contribute to building stronger communities by promoting respect, responsibility, and moral leadership.

The school and New Jerusalem Children’s Home’s managing director Anna Difo said their annual winter camp aims to keep children positively engaged during the school holidays, while exposing them to valuable life lessons. “During the winter school holidays, we organise a camp for young people from Lanto Schools, New Jerusalem Children’s Home, and surrounding schools,” said Difo. “We are honoured to welcome international speakers, lecturers, and camp masters from Taiwan and the United States, who come to share Chinese culture and teach the children how to develop their minds.”

She said the programme combines educational activities with games and practical challenges that encourage creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. “The children are learning about emotional intelligence, compassion, brotherhood, and teamwork. They are also taught about good morals, kindness, and making positive life choices, including avoiding drugs and other harmful activities that could negatively affect their future.”

Participants were divided into six teams and assessed on teamwork, punctuality, harmony, problem-solving, and their ability to respond positively to challenges throughout the weekend. “It is exciting to have children from Midrand, Soweto, Pretoria, and many other schools all coming together to learn, grow, and build friendships.”

Organisers hope the success of the President Park camp will pave the way for the 4Q programme to reach more schools and communities across South Africa.

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