20 Dec 2016

Seepapitso IV Senior Secondary School head, Ms Khumo Phori, has hailed the Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) boot-camp for transforming lives.

Speaking in an interview at a boot camp closing ceremony recently, she said the event created a platform for the youth to interact and share ideas on how best to improve their lives.

“During the first week, they were undisciplined as they engaged in awkward behavior such as indulging in marijuana and were always absent, but responded positively during the second week” she said.

Senior guidance and counseling teacher, Ms Grace Kutoro, shared the same sentiments with the school head, noting that there was a positive behavioural change from the students since they were participating in every activity or task assigned to them.

Ms Kutoro noted that the boot-camp was initiated by government and private sector concerns on the declining social values, unemployment, life threatening diseases among others emphasising its main goal was to empower the students with life-skills, competencies and positive attitudes.

She said this year, they targeted form fours as they realised that it was vital to engage them before they write their exams so as to prepare them emotionally, spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically.

One of the students who took part, Ms Game Setlhoka said she learnt a lot from the boot-camp, noting she is going to put what she learnt into practice in her daily errands.

“I have acquired social skills, learnt how to approach situations in a positive way and deal with people in a Godly manner and that I am more than ready to conquer the world,” she said.

Another student, Ms Maipelo Lebogang said she learnt that even though there were some discrepancies in group exercises, it was vital to make adjustments so that at the end of the day, they achieved the desired results.

She further noted that since attending the boot-camp, her morale has been up-lifted as she is now able to express her opinions freely. ENDS