Despite stormy weather and abrasive conditions, youth from all over the Western Cape and Gqeberha made their way to the University of the Western Cape for the biggest youth conference in the country.
As the campus filled with energetic young people their anticipation from the months leading up to this day was impossible to ignore.
Bridging Gaps and Embracing Diversity
The conference programme kicked off with song and dance welcoming the YeBoneers with cheers.
The Desmond and Leah Tutu Foundation facilitated a session aimed at uniting the attendees and establishing an inclusive environment for the days ahead. Throughout the weekend, various workshops and seminars will push youth to be vulnerable, active, and present.
Going Beyond and Shaping the Future
A significant part of making this conference successful is the effort and time contributed by former YeBoneers, who return as mentors, data administrators and students from the YeBo mentor academy.
As youth have access to their own mentors during the programme, many understand the importance of mentorship and choose to take on this role themselves. Current YeBo Academy student Justin Sauls, after his own experience in 2023, returns to the conference as a mentor in training, “Seeing the development of the conference and how it has grown, after attending as a YeBoneer, then support team and now as a mentor in training it is so awesome.” Justin reflects.
