The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Youth Festival celebrates the United Nations declared "International Year of the Youth"

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation Youth Festival has been designed developed and successfully delivered to celebrate the international year of youth as declared by the United Nations. While launching a local festival the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation has partnered and socially networked the Youth festival with global celebration of youth.

The Youth Festival was conceptually arranged to address the concerns of youth, youth development, and positive change by utilising:
*a South African award winning movie "Hopeville", *dance and drama workshops, *a night of dance celebrating youth, *a concert celebrating young artists, *and a youth leadership forum that engaged the topic of leadership for change.

Every event was underpinned and grounded in the hope of deepening non racialism and building our communities and nation.

From the early reports of participants and observers it is clear that the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation "Youth Festival 2011" has been a social innovation and intervention, accepted and appreciated by the participants and communities represented.
Communities of the south viz. Lenasia, Lenasia South, Soweto, Ennerdale, Walkerville, Orange Farm, and other regional, national and international communities were represented by the diverse gathering of youth, youth leaders, community members, religious leaders and some business leaders.

All events within the Youth Festival had a good number of attendees, and the diversity was amazing.

We have realised a Youth Festival that truly celebrated the diversity of South Africa and it has been amazing to hear young people voice their concerns, anxieties and hopes for the future.

Thank you to all collaborating organisations, networking partners, community members and amazing youth!

Seth Naicker
in consulting capacity
Director of Youth Services
Ahmed Kathrada Foundation
0794827445
seth@indiAfrique.co.za/seth@youngable.com

As people we gathered to explore our humanity!

There was a moment in all of the activities I knew that God was present. It was a moment of realization and awe as young people and youth leaders of diverse race/ethnicity, gender, class, religion and language sang our South African national anthem. From in and around Johannesburg we came together to engage, accomplish and realize our inaugural dialogue on non-racialism.

Saturday, the 11th of December, 2010 marked 21 years since Yusuf Akhalwaya and Prakash Napier passed on as a result of a bomb blast at park station, they were part of the Lenasia Youth League. Their lives were abruptly taken in the struggle against apartheid.

Our non-racialism dialogue was riddled with this symbolic day lurking in the background. It was only in our closing statements that we reminded the youth of Yusuf and Prakash. Shaheda Seedat office manager of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation told of the symbolism of the day, as one who knew these young men personally.

The activities of the day started at 8:30 am with registration. It was clear that as participants arrived they were expectant and wanted to engage in this matter of non-racialism. Ahmed Kathrada arrived on time and made his way toward our humble place and space that was secured for the dialogue. Olefile Masangane one of our lead facilitators displayed his awe as he looked upon uncle Kathy.

It is amazing to be in the presence of people who have anchored their lives in the ideals of humanity, equality and justice. You may not find words to describe, but for the sake of description I believe that for most it was a moment to behold. Participants sensed the depth of a man who has committed to a value, ethic, sincere and stubborn determination of non-racialism.

It is with great honour and a feeling of soulful and healthy pride, that I serve the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation. It is my hope that we will establish non-racialism ambassadors throughout the country, the continent and the world. Such a hope is not just wishful thinking, it can be realized as we press on with faith, hope and love!

As people we gathered to explore our humanity!

SethNaicker
Managing Partner
indiAfrique training & development
Director
Office of ReconciliationDiversity & International Affairs
A collaboration of indiAfrique & Young & Able
mobile: 079 482 7445|work: 011 341 0190|e-mail: seth@indiAfrique.co.za|indiAfrique@youngable.com
http://revsethnaicker.blogspot.com/
Suite 160|Dunkeld West Centre 281 Jan Smuts Ave|Dunkeld Johannesburg|Gauteng|South Africa

Inaugural dialogue on non racialism: "a value,belief and way to build our community and our future

Tomorrow the 11.12.10 we participate in dialogue and discussion, our inaugural talkshop/workshop of a series of discussions and dialogues that will address non racialism.

The workshop will consist of an opening ceremony , a key note by Ahmed Kathrada, questions and answers, an interactive facilitated workshop, and a closing ceremony.

The learning and experience will be remarkable and we are encouraged by the remarkable interest of youth and young leaders. I am honored to serve the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation as director of youth services. The foundation has taken a step to lead with passion in impacting the lives of youth through the code,conduct and ethic drawn from non-racialism.

I look forward to hearing from seasoned narrative of Ahmed Kathrada as he delves into his value, belief and insistence on non-racialism for our communal, local and global future!