Youth Day 2012 - Let’s catch a wake up - for the sake of our youth and our future!

Hector Pieterson (1964 – 16 June 1976) became the subject of an iconic image of the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa. A news photograph by Sam Nzima was published around the world of the dying Hector being carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo another 18 year old student, while his sister Antoinette Sithole ran next to them. He was killed at the age of 12 when the police opened fire on protesting students. For years, 16 June symbolized resistance to the brutality of the apartheid government. Today, it is designated National Youth Day — when South Africans honour young people and bring attention to their needs. Inspired by the words of Oliver Tambo, I paraphrase, “if our country doesn't catch a wake up about the pressures faced, care needed, and nurturing required by youth (0 to 35), then we are planning for a future of doom!” I am grateful for youth who possess purpose & passion. The tough reality however, is that purpose and passion have to be matched with access to resources, for realisation of youthful potential. It is my belief that decision making, resolve, making informed choices, of youth within the Apartheid era, was made reality by the underpinning of mentorship, coaching and personal connection with available, caring, committed and courageous leaders. Post Apartheid youth especially those in chronic economic situations are living with their backs against the wall, where resolve is more complex than it is simple, and many of our elders, adult role models, and leaders are not willing, unable, or just too busy to do the work of coming alongside youth! To ensure that youth make informed choices, and have resolve, we need people to step up and empower, mobilise, and walk with youth: out of their lack of resolve, their lack of quality information, their lack of this and that!! I have found that we have amazing young people across the length and breadth of our beloved South Africa. Young people in Lenasia, Glenvista, Chesterville, Veeplaas, Gugulethu, Sandton, Bloemfontein, and every other crack and crevice, who are willing to make a stand with passion, purpose, and resolve, all they need is the support. Government, Corporates, development organisations, non profits, & religious organisations need to catch a wake up, about our future and put their time, moneys, and resources, where too many times we find just judging voices and too many trickle down and bogus youth development initiatives! Our youth must make a stand and revolutionaries and champions, and we as the broader public must come alongside with our fervent investment of time and resources to ensure that young people are successful and live out their lives to their God given potential! In this youth month and as we commemorate June 16th,1976 may young people have the inspiration, motivation, determination and perspiration to make their hopes, dreams, missions and visions become a reality. Seth Naicker seth@indiafrique.co.za

Youth Day 2012 - Let’s catch a wake up for the sake our youth and our future!

Hector Pieterson (1964 – 16 June 1976) became the subject of an iconic image of the 1976 Soweto uprising in South Africa. A news photograph by Sam Nzima was published around the world of the dying Hector being carried by Mbuyisa Makhubo another 18 year old student, while his sister Antoinette Sithole ran next to them. He was killed at the age of 12 when the police opened fire on protesting students. For years, 16 June symbolized resistance to the brutality of the apartheid government. Today, it is designated National Youth Day — when South Africans honour young people and bring attention to their needs. Inspired by the words of Oliver Tambo, I paraphrase, “if our country doesn't catch a wake up about the pressures faced, care needed, and nurturing required by youth (0 to 35), then we are planning for a future of doom!” I am grateful for youth who possess purpose & passion. The tough reality however, is that purpose and passion have to be matched with access to resources, for realisation of youthful potential. It is my belief that decision making, resolve, making informed choices, of youth within the Apartheid era, was made reality by the underpinning of mentorship, coaching and personal connection with available, caring, committed and courageous leaders. Post Apartheid youth especially those in chronic economic situations are living with their backs against the wall, where resolve is more complex than it is simple, and many of our elders, adult role models, and leaders are not willing, unable, or just too busy to do the work of coming alongside youth! To ensure that youth make informed choices, and have resolve, we need people to step up and empower, mobilise, and walk with youth: out of their lack of resolve, their lack of quality information, their lack of this and that!! I have found that we have amazing young people across the length and breadth of our beloved South Africa. Young people in Lenasia, Glenvista, Chesterville, Veeplaas, Gugulethu, Sandton, Bloemfontein, and every other crack and crevice, who are willing to make a stand with passion, purpose, and resolve, all they need is the support. Government, Corporates, development organisations, non profits, & religious organisations need to catch a wake up, about our future and put their time, moneys, and resources, where too many times we find just judging voices and too many trickle down and bogus youth development initiatives! Our youth must make a stand and revolutionaries and champions, and we as the broader public must come alongside with our fervent investment of time and resources to ensure that young people are successful and live out their lives to their God given potential! In this youth month and as we commemorate June 16th,1976 may young people have the inspiration, motivation, determination and perspiration to make their hopes, dreams, missions and visions become a reality. Seth Naicker seth@indiafrique.co.za

the movement forgood @ WITS University

The movement forgood was on the move, as we connected with learners and NGO's @ the volunteer fair of Wits University (20/04/2012).

Forgood, a social platform, movement & catalyst for positive social action was honoured to be amongst a host of non government organizations that are making an awesome impact in their respective societies. Learners @ WITS came around in their inspiring numbers to visit & establish how they can get involved in the work & play of bringing about healthy change in our broader communities. It was also awesome to facilitate "race of life" an experiential learning exercise that informs & brings understanding to the social gaps or degrees of separation that exist and prevail in society. In the middle of the volunteer & NGO fair we engaged in conversation and dialogue about the social gaps & continued disparities in our society. Learners of WITS & NGO leaders put forward their inspiring and challenging thoughts as to bringing about positive change in our everyday world. I am honoured to work alongside Karuna Singh as the program and project coordinator of the wits volunteer program forgood. Heartlines & Young&Able as collaborating & initiating organizations, have landed this home grown idea as a movement forgood. It has been awesome to have had the support, interest, & commitment of the student development leadership unit,& the WITS volunteer program of WITS University. Please connect and stay with the movement forgood that is learning, growing and developing. Checkout the movement forgood as follows: http://www.forgood.co.za/Pages/aboutUs.aspx http://www.facebook.com/forgood.co.za. _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Seth Naicker project manager forgood ambassadors (youth and community engagement) 0794827445 011 341 0190 fax: 0866 33 2343 seth@forgood.co.za www.forgood.co.za Suite 160|Dunkeld West Centre 281 Jan Smuts Ave| Dunkeld| Johannesburg|Gauteng|South Africa