I was invited to a SpringAge, Spring Open at The Maboneng on Arts On Main in Johannesburg. Spring Age is an organization and a think tank that is about linking ideas concerning youth development and finding solutions to cutting edge questions.When I got the invite, I was ecstatic as I have always looked up to Spring Age founders, Raelene Rorke and Neliswa Fente.
Young, dynamic, successful and inspiring people with a vision, hope and dream for South Africa gathered. They not only have brilliant ideas to change and shape the future but possess an incredible drive to ensure a successful execution of all these ideas. Youth empowerment, employment opportunities, integrating government and corporate South Africa to achieve much and to create global thinkers, are all the things Spring Age embodies and is passionate about.
The SpringBreak hosted by Spring Age focuses on all aspects that will eventually bring about change and employment opportunities to the youth, with both government and corporate involved in ensuring the proper attainment of these remarkable initiatives. They explore opportunities in education, tourism, mining, energy and marketing. Spring Age also does a lot of community work, mentoring and motivating rural students. On Mandela Day they always work with rural students in and around Qunu, outside Mthatha.
The South African youth has been largely stereotyped as lazy and without much of a bright future. Spring Age, Cheesekids, The Youth Lab and many other youth organizations are proof that this perception is not true. There is potential within young people and there are as many of them who do not look to the government to do things for them. We are alive with possibilities, and we are doers. A better South Africa for all is inevitable with the great amount of young people with a passion for its development and excellence, future leaders who do not embrace mediocrity and do not accept failure. I left the open seminar feeling refreshed, more optimistic and eager to make things happen for me and those around me. There really is so much to be attained when working together. I salute all the young people of our country, known or unknown, making a difference and with a greater vision for our South Africa. Let’s continue dreaming and doing much to improve the state of our nation.
Follow @SpringAge1, @Cheesekids, @YouthLAB for details on how you can be involved in making an impact in curbing the many scourges facing the South African youth. Let’s show the world just how remarkable we are as the youth of South Africa.
Bonnie is an intern at Jucy Africa, she is into fashion, music and all things beautiful. On twitter she is @BonnieMes
