Global Changemakers

Celeste about her CAP: Claremont Youth Emancipation!

Claremont.
Poverty.
Disparities.
Dependency.
Youth.

Greetings fellow Changemakers!

The above 5 words are many youngsters’ reality that live in Claremont. Many are caught up in a cycle of poverty. These youngsters experience the consequences of various disparities such as age, wealth and gender. Government dependency is nothing to be ashamed of in South Africa, like wise in Claremont. Sadly, this is the story of the youth in Claremont: Poverty, disparities and dependency.

During my school holiday, July 2009, I noticed something quite peculiar. The youth within Claremont are generally cynical about life after school (in fact, many of them have dropped out of high school).  Because the community accepts mediocrity, most of them are content with sitting around all day waiting for the government to do something. Also, there is a distinctive social divide amongst the youth; those from low-income homes “hang out” on a specific corner, while those from middle-income homes “hang out” on another. In addition, girls and boys have clear defined roles in the community: Boys play soccer, while girls cook, clean and look after their younger siblings.

Time passed by, I didn’t think I needed to be worrying about another community’s problems when I had my own personal problems to deal with.

It then hit home.

“Wait a minute. This is the youth, my peers, my brothers and sisters, the country’s next generation of potential entrepreneurs, social activists, etc. In my term of office as Health Minister on the Johannesburg Student Council I had learnt the importance of civil participation. The British Council’s Global Changemakers taught me the essence of bringing about change and my human nature kicked in and inspired me to make my mark.”

CYE, Claremont Youth Emancipation, was born.

CYE launched on 20 February 2010 in Claremont’s community hall in the form of a talent show (given that entertainment draws the youth, regardless of socio-economic status).

The youth present at the launch were from various backgrounds, and yet they all enjoyed themselves and supported one another, thus emphasising that the disparities amongst them are an illusion. The talent competition was a minor platform for the youth to get motivated and gain a sense of pride of who they are. DJ Switch (a popular South African personality) spoke about his personal story. He was brought up in similar conditions to that of the youth within Claremont. He faced difficulties along the way, but he overcame them. And today he is a well-known personality. Switch attributes his success to hard work and collaborative efforts with those around him. Change is possible, no matter where you are from.

“Problem sharing and Solution Oriented Day” is next on CYE’s agenda.

CYE is Committin’ 2 Change.

Celeste