From July 5 to July 10, 55 learners from across the Western Cape congregated at Jan van Riebeeck High School to attend the annual Rotary Adventures into Citizenship camp.
Following a warm welcome, the learners were divided into their respective groups, capturing the moment with a group photo against the iconic backdrop of Table Mountain. Right from the outset, the facilitators established a refreshing dynamic, treating the participants as young adults. Expectations were mutually discussed, and inclusive ground rules were set to ensure a respectful, collaborative environment for the week ahead.
The energy kicked off immediately on the first night with a lively Barn Dance, setting a brilliant tone for the days to follow.
Rotary Club of Waterfront invests substantially each year in this important annual project of the RC of Cape Town. The impact on these young learners as they evolve into tomorrow’s leaders, is an investment RCW is proud of. Above, the learners sponsored by RCW: Ibrahim Ukadam, Isabel Hamilton, Jemimah Ridha, Uthimna Ngcumse (Trafalgar High School). Ashwariya Benjamin, JP Sterris (Learn to Live School of Skills).
The week’s intensive program was packed with enriching excursions, offering the learners first-hand insight into civic life, history, and science. The itinerary included visits to:
- The High Court
- The Iziko Museum
- The Cape Town Science Centre
- Local Government Chambers
- The Artscape Theatre Centre
- The Long March to Freedom Park
- Zeekoevlei Nature Reserve (Nature Connect)
- Stellenbosch University, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), and the University of Cape Town (UCT)
Balancing these educational excursions perfectly were a series of powerful motivational talks and a crucial, thought-provoking presentation on xenophobia, prompting deep reflection among the youth.
The program concluded with a closing lunch, during which the learners had the opportunity to openly share their experiences of the week. In a refreshing break from cell phones and social media, the youth truly made new friends and deeply connected with their peers. It was clearly evident that there exists a desperate need among today’s youth for making these deeper connections and simply enjoying peer company without an agenda.
Furthermore, the opportunity to be coached by slightly older facilitators and to engage with Rotarians much older than themselves allowed for meaningful intergenerational synergy. Through this unique environment, the learners experienced true acceptance, gained immense confidence, and discovered that they belong and do matter.
