The project is closing off with a book launch on Friday 27 September and members of the public are invited to attend.

A group of 45 young people came together to culminate a book titled Youth Speaks, which is a  collection of poems, short stories, and non-fictional pieces. The book will be handed out free of charge to attendees.

Nosindiso Mtimkulu, Senior Project Leader at the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, says activities such as skills development, creative writing workshops, musicals, mural painting, as well as previews of ‘photovoice’ pictures which tell a story, will be showcased. The participants will be reflecting on their two-year journey through the project.

“Some have made positive personal changes in their attitude towards life. They have been organising sports competitions, community clean-ups, and keeping people occupied with positive thoughts and actions at their communities,” says Mtimkulu.

The participants were chosen by community leaders, ward councillors, universities, and churches as some are unemployed, while others are university graduates and students.

She further said she encourages South Africans to give the youth a chance, to listen to their voices. The world is constantly changing. Youths know all sorts of things the elderly do not as the century has shifted towards the fourth industrial revolution.

Article by Ofm