The Ubuntu Youth Project
UBUNTU YOUTH STARS IN FINAL SELECTION FOR OPRAH WINFREY'S ACADEMY SELECTION
The Ubuntu Youth movement works towards a caring society where all life is respected. In the process children from disadvantaged communities also acquire a feeling of self-worth and are taught the value of self-discipline. Leadership skills are developed. As part of their outreach programmes, they make regular forays into informal settlements in order to improve the lives of the animals there.When Oprah Winfrey called for applications for the 2008 admission to her Academy for Girls in Gauteng, there were many applicants from the Free State. From these, three members of the Ubuntu Youth movement made it to the third, and final, interview. Criteria for selection were poverty, academic achievement and leadership qualities. It is on the basis of the latter criterion that Ntswaki Seturumane made it through the final selection.
When asked whether she thought the Ubuntu Youth programme had aided in her success, her answer was: 'Yes, it helped me to develop leadership skills and become a role model.' When asked what Ubuntu Youth had taught her, she said: 'It taught me that one should live in peace with all living beings and take care of animals as well as people.' She added that this opportunity was the result of her working very hard!
Says Beatrice Wiltshire, founder of the Ubuntu Youth Movement: 'I'm so proud, not only of the Ubuntu Youth, but because the three members who reached the finals were for the most part trained by the first batch of Ubuntu Youth who reached 'teacher' status. This is what I've been aiming at for the past 4 years. All I now need is to visit this outreach three times a year to keep them motivated and on track.'
People who want to support the Ubuntu Youth programme can contact Beatrice Wiltshire at:
email: ubuntuyouth@mtnloaded.co.za
cell: 083 4000 262
Ubuntu Youth home page
