GEORGE NEWS - George Municipality will join forces with a wide range of stakeholders throughout June to celebrate National Youth Month through educational, social, environmental and empowerment programmes aimed at uplifting young people across local communities.
National Youth Month is commemorated annually in South Africa during June in honour of the youth of 1976 and their contribution to the country’s democracy.
The month-long programme will include a variety of activities across the municipal area, including Child Protection Week awareness campaigns, parenting workshops, sport against violence events, environmental programmes with SANParks, youth dialogues, talent showcases, skills development initiatives, gender-based violence and substance abuse awareness campaigns, community clean-up projects and Youth Day commemorations in Uniondale, Haarlem, Touwsranten and Herold.
One of the highlights of the programme will be a stakeholder-driven Youth Day initiative presented in partnership with Awake Hub. Grade 12 learners from local high schools will benefit from support and information sessions focusing on higher education applications, bursary opportunities, digital literacy, photography skills and employment-related support services.
A leadership and positive recreation programme will also take place in the Uniondale and Haarlem areas to celebrate and empower local youth leaders.
Later in the month, learners from local high schools will participate in an environmental education and awareness programme presented in collaboration with the South African Police Services and REFLEKT.
The programme is made possible through partnerships between various government departments, community organisations and local stakeholders, including the departments of Social Development, Correctional Services, Education, Labour and Employment, the police, Herold CPF, SANParks, CapeNature, Working on Fire, UXI, REFLEKT, SUFF Academy, Awake Hub, the George and Uniondale Youth Cafés, the Pacaltsdorp Community Business Association and several other partners.
Organisers said the programmes aim to empower young people, encourage leadership and contribute towards building safer, healthier and more resilient communities.
Youth Month 2026 will conclude on 30 June with a Youth Month Closing Event and Awards Ceremony recognising active youth leaders and ambassadors. On the same day, local youth representatives will also participate virtually in the Western Cape Youth Parliament discussion focusing on youth unemployment.
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