REPORT FROM SOUTH AFRICAN GYLS PARTICIPANTS

Name of participants:

1. Jolene Palmer (Educator)

2. Sicelo Vilakazi (Grade 10 Learner)

3. Moses Molotsi (Grade 11 Learner)

The three of us left South Africa on a very cold July evening, to touch down the following day in a very sunny Dubrovnik, Croatia. We were very excited to be part of the GYLS (Global Youth Leadership Summit) program and couldn’t wait to meet all the other participants.

We met up with the Hawaii volunteers late that afternoon at the youth hostel in Dubrovnik, and they were just as happy to see us, as we were to see them. As an educator I just sat back and watched the kids interact. For Moses and Sicelo this was an opportunity of a life time and they have been so excited to meet every one and could not stop talking (for the whole 13 hour flight) about what and who they could expect to encounter.

The program was mainly about teaching young learners conflict resolution skills and to equip them with leadership skills. We had the opportunity to interact with other cultures from around the world, and for Moses and Sicelo who have never even out side the town that they live in, found everything to be joyfully overwhelming!

Every day we would take part in the GYLS group session and the boys were actively involved in every little activity that we did. Every day we learned something new, and every night was hard to say good night, knowing that our time with our new friends and our daily “life-lessons”, is drawing to an end.

The skills that we have learnt as well as the friends that we have made are definitely still strong in our minds and in our hearts. This was an absolute mind blowing experience that is very difficult to describe to someone when trying to put it into words. The boys and my self have never felt so blessed as we felt during our time that we spent in Croatia. Sicelo and Moses are two wonderful young gentlemen, who could not have asked for a better opportunity to represent their country and to be part of GYLS program.

As an educator I have learnt so much from this experience and couldn’t wait to get back to my school to implement what I have learnt. With the help of Moses and Sicelo, we are organizing our own camp, late in April 2008, based on what we have learnt at GYLS. We are hoping to have an impact on the learners at our school, and hopefully if this camp is successful to make it a regular event.

The wonderful organizations who made this life changing experience possible for us :

1. Teachers Without Borders (An international organization)

2. Sedgars clothing and sports accessories (South African based company)

3. And Diamond Corner Jewelers in Vereeniging (South Africa)

Profile of Participants:

1. Sicelo Vilakazi

Sicelo is a pleasant young boy who is in the top ten learners of his grade. Sicelo’s mother was killed in a car high jacking that turned violent. Sicelo was 10 years old. Sicelo had to go live with his grand parents as his father wanted nothing to do with him. Despite all these setbacks, Sicelo has flourished throughout his life so far. He was head-boy in 2004 of his primary school and in high school we only predict great things for him. Sicelo is a born leader and a lot of his friends and class - mates look up to him.

2. Moses Molotsi

Moses lost his mother when he was just 8 years old. His father is very abusive towards him, not only physically but breaks him down emotionally as well. Moses dreams of becoming an actor (basically any thing where he can entertain people). He is always the life of the “party”, and every one just loves being around him. Moses had some trouble at school, but since returning from the GYLS trip to Croatia, he has really put in a lot of effort to change and not fall back into his old ways. Every day is a constant battle for him, but he never shows any signs of being a troubled young boy. He is a talented “actor” that hides, very convincingly, everything that he has to endure at home. Despite everything, you will never see Moses without a smile on his face!

3. Jolene Palmer

I am currently busy with my Masters Degree in Educational Psychology and learner development. I have been teaching for four years and so far I am enjoying every minute I spend with my learners. Everyday is a new challenge, emotionally, physically and cognitively, but worth every minute! I love my learners and teaching them, even when I feel like strangling them! I hope to complete my doctorates at the end of 2009, specializing in developing and promoting resilience in under privileged children.