Activate!, a local NPO aimed at alleviating the impact of gender-based violence (GBV) in the community, hosted a civic education campaign on October 15.

The awareness campaign targeted young people in the community aged 16–35. Anele Cele and Reneilwe Tsotetsi facilitated the event to encourage active youth participation in community activities and raise awareness about GBV.

According to Cele, the objectives were to educate youths about active citizenship, community participation, and the importance of addressing GBV within local municipalities. The facilitators aimed to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to actively fight GBV. P

articipants were encouraged to engage respectfully in dialogue within a judgement-free environment. The group explored various ways to promote youth involvement in their communities.

Cele explained that the session began with an interactive string web activity, where participants introduced themselves, shared their community roles, and described the positive changes they wished to see.

“This activity facilitated meaningful connections among participants,” said Cele. She added that the exercise highlighted common connections among participants and emphasised the importance of volunteering, inspiring some to volunteer for local events for the first time.

“When asked what they thought they had in common, participants emphasised that despite their differences, they are united by their desire to create positive change in their communities,” she noted.

The activity served as a powerful metaphor for the group’s interconnected experiences and aspirations. Following the initial activity, the discussion shifted to the importance of active citizenship.

Participants shared their views on positive contributions and the roles they believed citizens should play. Cele explained that key aspects of active citizenship include participation in community meetings, initiatives, and decision-making processes.

The workshop also addressed youth engagement in voting. Cele stated that some participants had never registered to vote or participated in elections.

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The session encouraged youths to attend Integrated Development Plan (IDP) meetings, which are crucial for community development and planning.

“IDP meetings prioritise community needs, allocate resources, and improve service delivery. The voices of young people are vital in shaping the future of communities,” explained Cele.

The session concluded with a discussion on the benefits of youth participation in community activities. These benefits included skill development, higher confidence and self-esteem, access to opportunities, personal growth, building social connections, and a sense of belonging.

The second session focused on the youth’s role in addressing and combating GBV in their communities. Facilitators observed that participants initially had a limited understanding of GBV but left with a much broader knowledge of the subject.

“The programme demonstrated that young people are eager to become active citizens and address issues such as GBV,” concluded Cele. She added that providing the right information, skills, and support empowers youths to drive positive change in their communities.