On the eve of Mandela Day, over 1,000 youth from YearBeyond, South Africa’s largest youth service programme, will gather for the highly anticipated GoBeyond conference. With two out of every three youth not in employment, the attendees have committed to serving their communities while shaping their futures.
The conference commenced with an inspiring lineup of speakers emphasising the importance of professional and emotional intelligence, agency, grit, and the determination to exceed expectations. The event provides a development space for young people to engage with over 70 contributors, sharing their expertise and expanding the youths’ prospects for the future.
Inspiring Stories of Perseverance and Success
The conference opened with stories that deeply resonated with the audience. Nelson Bila, a beneficiary of YearBeyond, shared his remarkable journey. Despite achieving the top Physical Science mark in the country, Nelson could not attend university due to a lack of proper Home Affairs paperwork. His story of resilience and determination set an inspiring tone for the event.
Ronique Wilson, a past participant in the programme, recounted how YearBeyond transformed her life. Growing up in Mannenberg without parents, Ronique faced a bleak future. After being initially rejected by YearBeyond, she applied repeatedly until she was accepted. Her perseverance ignited a passion for education, and she secured a bursary to further her studies after completing the programme. Today, Ronique is a counsellor working to support learners who, like herself, need assistance.
Musa Motha, a passionate soccer player who refused to let cancer and an amputation hold him back, closed the opening session. Rechanneling his dreams into dance, Musa’s perseverance has seen him through a tough transformation and onto international stages. Musa captivated the audience with a mesmerising dance performance and shared his story of overcoming adversity.
YearBeyond: Unlocking Youth Potential
YearBeyond recognises the immense potential within the youth and, with the proper support, aims to enable dreams and unlock tenacity, fostering the next generation of leaders. The curated YearBeyond journey distinguishes it from many other youth programmes.
A recent impact study by YearBeyond revealed significant outcomes: over 70% of participants remain active in the economy post-program, youth are 9% less likely to be NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), and 48% more likely to volunteer and be active in their communities.
The GoBeyond conference continues to inspire and empower youth, fostering a sense of purpose and community service that will shape South Africa’s future.
