Pantsula with a Purpose hosted grade 12 learners for a creative workshop where learners performed skits in front of their peers. These learners are part of 100Up, a UCT initiative that seeks to address the systemic issue of demographic under-representation in higher education. 100Up does so by targeting school learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and coaching them towards university access.
Pantsula with a Purpose is a registered Non-Profit Company based in Cape Town that has a core aim of uplifting marginalised township youth. This is achieved through providing holistic skills development workshops that better equip learners to not only be accepted into university, but also to be able to cope with the demands of university-level academics. Through purpose aligned partnerships with organisations and corporates, Pantsula creates sustainable yet impactful collaborations aimed at enriching our youth in all aspects. Pantsula’s partnership with 100Up is one such impactful collaboration.
By the time students had arrived for their workshop with Pantsula on Tuesday 28 June, they had spent a long day learning about the six faculties of the UCT and receiving information and valuable advice on what each faculty entails and how to work towards getting accepted into a particular faculty. Pantsula’s workshop offered students a time to recharge through creative output.
Learners had 15 minutes to plan a skit that showed their knowledge on a particular faculty at UCT. Despite having had a long day thus far, the learners stepped up to the challenge with high spirits and great enthusiasm. The skits performed were highly entertaining, but the learners surprised us when they used these skits to address relevant social, political and economic issues in the country. The learners used a clever balance of humour to address otherwise serious issues.
The group pictured above performed a skit representing the Humanities faculty and addressed issues of gender-based violence and homophobia. It was amazing to see the learners address socio-political issues without any instruction to do so, but of their own volition. Another group representing the Commerce faculty performed a skit cleverly calling out the country’s issue of corruption. It was truly inspiring to see our youth be so passionate and creative in addressing such issues.
Pantsula’s event with the 100Up learners was a wonderful time for the learners to decompress, show their creativity and connect with their peers. As one of the volunteers facilitating the event, I left the 100Up learners feeling inspired by these matric learners and excited for the journeys they will each embark on.
