The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ntombikayise Sibhidla-Saphetha, has urged the youth to seize the opportunities provided by government to improve their living conditions.
Sibhidla-Saphetha was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Provincial Youth Camp in Howick on Monday, where over 300 young people from the ages of 14 – 25 years will spend the rest of the week engaging in dialogue on issues such as nation building, leadership and social cohesion.
Youth camps are part of a broader government programme to instil discipline and promote a healthy lifestyle among the youth.
“Youth camps will go a long way towards enhancing the ability of young people to work cooperatively across race, gender and class. They will also increase their self-esteem and learn how to become responsible and patriotic citizens,” Sibhidla-Saphetha said.
Over the years, youth camps have played a critical role in addressing some of the social ills plaguing the youth, such as teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and HIV and Aids.
“We believe that through these camps, the youth will amass valuable skills that will enable them to contribute positively to the challenges facing their communities, such as unemployment and poverty,” the MEC said.
On Friday, the youth will visit different communities to render services such as painting schools and imparting the skills they have learnt during the camp through engaging communities on the challenges they face daily. – SAnews.gov.za
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