The City of Cape Town’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department (SDECD) hosted a graduation ceremony for 286 youth who completed the annual Whitaker Peace and Development Initiate Youth Training Programme. The ceremony took place at the Athlone Civic Centre earlier today.

The young people, aged between 15 and 35, completed business, peace building and conflict resolution education courses.

‘These courses are important opportunities to hone life skills, but also sharpen critical thinking and the ability to deal constructively with conflict. The participants committed to continue encouraging and supporting each other in becoming role models in their communities. With these new skills they have been empowered to be the change they want to see, and I encourage them to go out and lead the charge by being an example to others,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Patricia van der Ross.

The courses gave the young people, who were drawn from Subcouncils 12, 13, 17, 18, 19 and 20, the opportunity to engage and build networks. This is the third year the Department has partnered with the initiative to empower youth and 107 Participants attended the Conflict Resolution course and 179 attended the Business Entrepreneurship Course.

‘The department is proud not only to host the graduation, but to have collaborated with the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative on developing our future leaders,’ said Councillor Van der Ross.

The Initiative, founded by American actor and UNESCO Special Envoy for Peace and Reconciliation Forest Whitaker, works with young men and women to develop their skills as leaders, peace builders and community builders.

Source: City Of Cape Town