The Community Engagement Unit at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently commemorated Youth Day with the Refilwe organisation in Lanseria on Thursday, 16 June 2016. International volunteers from the USA, Canada and Germany helped celebrate the day as part of the event’s spiritual and cultural fair.
“Sixteen Community Engagement volunteer Champions (VC’s) started by cleaning the Refilwe premises. Later they facilitated group dialogues about June 16 impacts on the current generation, on different cultures as well as spiritual matters after the 1976 uprisings,” says Ms Monki Motsepe, UJ Community Engagement Liaison Specialist.
“Much as the 1976 youth are honoured, the current generation need to be encouraged to take the baton and run for their bright glorious future. They need to ensure they also have a say in shaping their path not just politically but spiritually, emotionally, socially as well as culturally. Spiritual and emotional wellbeing will ensure their capability to grow into responsible and sound leaders of their generation,” says Ms Motsepe.
During the celebration, UJ CE volunteers entertained the community by cultural performances and poems.
Ms Motsepe concluded saying: “The celebration with the Refilwe community was aimed at empowering them not to lean on the past but to move forward with pride and dignity.”