“In Asian countries, their shops can even run until midnight. So, this wonderful cultural system comes from traditional Chinese culture. That’s why we’d like to bring this Chinese culture rooted in South Africa.”

These were the words of the Chong-De Cultural and Educational Foundation’s managing director, Dr Nelson Yang, during a two-day youth 4Q camp hosted in President Park.

Over 50 young people from across Gauteng gathered at Lanto Montessori International Schools for the camp, hosted by the foundation in partnership with the school on July 11 to 12.

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The camp focused on four key areas of personal development: Intelligence quotient, emotional quotient, adversity quotient, and moral quotient. Yang said the programme was designed to help young people develop essential life skills that are often overlooked in traditional education.

“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.

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“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.

Managing director of the school and New Jerusalem Children’s Home 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.

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.

“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.”

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