Youth for Change

Kailash Satyarthi once said, “The power of youth is the common wealth for the entire world. The faces of young people are the faces of our past, our present, and our future. No segment in the society can match with the power, idealism, enthusiasm, and courage of the young people”.

Throughout history, young people have continuously displayed a refreshing resilience and an unwavering commitment to using their voices to incite positive changes. That is why we celebrate the young faces in whose lives Nature Connect is actively involved. 

The past month our Conservation Leaders took part in a variety of connecting to nature activities that allowed them to discover ways in which they can actively participate in being the change in our community. 

To encourage and instil the importance of youth and the impacts they carry within our communities, learners took part in activities that aided them in reflecting on what it means to be The Youth of 2022 and the leader of the future. Activity highlights included; hiking up Table Mountain, a delightful ride on the Table Mountain Cable Way to the mountain summit, and a planting session at the Sunrise Villas in Muizenberg. With a Table Mountain hiking activity, learners spent their Youth Day immersed in nature, exploring the mountain trails and the diverse plant and animal species found along the tracks while reflecting on their impact as young leaders. Although the hike was challenging, and few could complete the long walk, the tenacity and team spirit were evident with each strenuous step up the rocky mountain. Laughter, smiles, and snapshots of this adventure were captured and stored as precious memories as learners reflected on their actions, voices, and opinions’ impact on the world. For many, the daily social, environmental, and economic challenges might seem inescapable and overwhelmingly challenging. Still, these nature moments bring out their unique characters, talents, passions, and dreams of changing the world through nature. With the Table Mountain Aerial Cableway cable car, learners made it to the top and enjoyed the scenic view that Table Mountain boasts.

The activities did not end there, as learners soon joined the Muizenberg East Conservation Cluster team for a planting and seeding session. With spades and garden forks at hand, learners got their hands dirty and participated in a planting and litter clean-up session at the Sunrise Villas in Muizenberg. Led by Kim Gordan and Jamy Friedricks, each Conservation Leader had the opportunity to assist in the planting of rescued indigenous plants, seed spreading, removal of indigenous invasive species, and a litter clean-up session. 

“I loved helping to get rid of the invasive plants along the small coastal area – I also enjoyed planting the various restio fynbos (figs) and daisy plants. Getting to the area, a place I regularly visit, the sand on the dune, and the importance of protecting such an ecosystem were very informative and amazing. It was a lovely experience talking with Jamy, Kim, and the other volunteers who came out to help clear the area. Most of all, it was great working alongside my fellow Leaders in helping our community.” – Grade 9 learner, 2019 Group.