Mandela Day: Driving and Inspiring Change In Our Communities

“It is in your hands, South Africa.”  This is the powerful call to action that Nelson Mandela left us with, inspiring us to take charge of creating a positive impact in our communities. For individuals from under-resourced communities, we should be helping them help themselves. On Mandela Day this year, we should remember what Madiba stood for, and then stand up for what is right: getting out there and making a difference. Imagine if we approached every day with the same spirit as Mandela Day!

Mandela Day has always been a sentimental landmark for me.

All my life, Tata was a beacon of hope, a well of inspiration, a moral blueprint and the personification of a proud Xhosa gentleman whose conviction relentlessly challenged me, and the level of my “commitment” to making a difference in the lives of those in need.

This Mandela Day is no different. In fact, it is even more significant as I approach my 10-year milestone of youth empowerment and upliftment at Primestars. I am looking forward to engaging our next generation of societal and industry leaders this weekend whilst we mobilise our partners nationally for #67MinutesOfMENtorship

I hope I am making you proud Tata… soze sikulibale.

Enhancing Youth Education: Lessons from Mandela’s Legacy

Mandela believed that “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” To carry this belief forward, we must keep fighting for better youth education. There are many ways to achieve this:

Blended Learning: Embracing digital technology to provide youth with digital educational materials, allowing them to learn at their own pace and from anywhere.

Real-World Problem Solving: Equipping youth with tools to take on community challenges, while simultaneously equipping them with critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Make Learning Fun and Engaging: Using cinemas as “Theatres of Learning” and film as a captivating teaching medium, where education with entertainment is combined –The Primestars way!

Inclusive Education: Promoting inclusivity and diversity, where all students, regardless of their background or abilities, have access to quality education. 

Getting the Community Involved

I strongly believe that we get stronger as a society when our communities work together. This is why Primestars facilitates active public-private partnerships to address specific youth challenges. Beyond the difference sponsorships make, it’s also crucial to have the communities standing with us as we bring education to under-resourced areas. We can see this is happening right now, and are so grateful for it. 

Supporting the Youth All Year Round

Primestars is truly an “on-the-go” youth development organisation: The incredible team I lead are always on the ground, ensuring quality education and support to young people across the country.

Screenings have already started for ‘ What About The Boys? ‘amplifying our mission to #RaiseANationOfGoodMen. Recently, 201 suits were donated to underprivileged grade 12 boys, boosting their confidence as they tackle the final year of their high school era!

The EduCate Matric Maths and Science Revision programme is kicking off this month to ensure high school learners are well-prepared for their finals.

Step Up 2 A Green Start Up launches next month and we are amped to engage with our future eco-entrepreneurs!

We are also launching two new and exciting programmes this year so keep a keen eye on the horizon, and your emails, for the invites!!!!

These are just a few examples of the programmes we’re running, because we understand that educational intervention cannot just be a “once-off” event – it needs to happen consistently.  

Rising Above Adversity and Taking Action

We just celebrated World Youth Skills Day, which focused on advocating for “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”. The first thing that comes to mind for me when I reflect on this theme is the need to make our youth more resilient. Youth need to be equipped to lead the way when facing challenges such as high unemployment, economic inequality, and limited resources. I say that “Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do”. At Primestars, we’re bringing this passion to life as we help our youth become problem solvers and peacebuilders! 

Be Part Of The Change…..

This #MandelaDay2024, we urge you to identify those in need around you and do what you can to make a difference in their lives.

Wanna get involved in our legacy? email us at info@primestars.co.za. Let’s honour Mandela’s legacy together!