Workshops build cultural identity and confidence in youth

Nearly 200 pupils from five high schools in Pelican Park, Steenberg, Bernadino Heights, Saxonsea, and Robinvale took part in a series of six two-day workshops hosted at Zandvlei Look-out, Zeekoeivlei, Witsands, and Tygerberg Nature Reserves, between Monday, September 1, and Tuesday, September 9.

With the sessions, the City’s Community, Arts and Culture Development Department aimed to help pupils explore cultural identity, heritage awareness, and diversity while building confidence, decision-making skills, and positive outlooks on life.

Through arts-based activities, participants engaged on topics such as the social profile of South African youth, the influence of culture on identity, and practical skills like self-awareness and SWOT (a planning tool which seeks to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats involved in a project or organisation) analysis.

“These sessions are crucial to helping young people develop soft skills and networks that will stand them in good stead for future challenges,” said mayoral committee member for health, Francine Higham.

The workshops form part of Culture Craze, a new City programme that will be rolled out to other districts later this financial year.