Hello Friends,
It is amazing how things can start gradually and then suddenly change, much like transitioning seasons. The second half of my time in South Africa had peaks and pivots I would have never expected, but I continue to celebrate with profound gratitude. Through a series of fortunate events, I was connected to synergistic people and organisations that infused encouragement and opportunities into Operation Instigation’s efforts and future.
Gratitude Highlights Include:
Engaging leaders from the Ubuntu Leaders Academy and South Africa's primary education sector;
Attending the first Unemployed by Design event - an inspiring night of entrepreneurial insights and networking;
Visiting R.E.S.T.’s future site for a new type of school to bolster education quality and diversity in Retreat, Cape Town;
Finding a deep sisterhood with the heads of Philisa Abafazi Bethu and Aurorah Kuils River Community Action Network. Two phenomenal activists, who are finalists up for the Good Hope Social Impact Champion Award.
Scheduled the next 5-day training with Soweto Kliptown Youth for 6-10 January, with participants and leadership joining from Lavender Hill, Cape Town;
Experiencing the incredible energy and support of local friends. They hosted me, curated collections for an orphanage, and made key introductions.
Meeting someone by chance who is related by marriage to my husband and a dear friend, whom I’ve referred to as a sister since we met.
These established and new relationships were generous with their support, resources, and enthusiasm, which carried me through a trip that could have taken a different turn. I am excited to see what cultivates from these seeds of inspiration in the coming seasons.
Instigating Excellence Updates
It was incredible to host two consecutive, in-person, Instigating Excellence workshops. The discussions were vivid and peppered with important questions. At the October workshop, Antoinette Sithole (Sister Toto) inspired the participants with a video call on forgiveness and perseverance. She shared her account of the Student Uprising of 1976 in protest of Bantu Education enforcement. In the massacre that followed, many students were killed, exiled, or injured; her 12-year-old brother, Hector Pieterson, was among the dead. One of the youths said, hearing Sister Toto speak brought history to life for her. The most poignant part of the discussion was about the role of forgiveness in her activism. It allows her to speak with gratitude and hope as she shares about her brother daily and advocates for youth to have a better future. The youth heard first-hand how an individual can process a crushing experience and move forward without the burden of hatred or retribution. I believe this was an experience they will not soon forget.
We also began preparing eight mentor candidates for January's training in Kliptown, Soweto. The course will equip them to co-facilitate the curriculum coupled with personal growth stories from applying what they learned. Two mentors gave examples of how they used the September workshop tools to make wise focus and attention "investments," which led to examination marks in the high 90s! Another mentor described how the science of hope inspired her to start a business after the June training, while a fourth mentor explained how learning about heroic confidence helped him understand the importance of building self-trust by following through on his commitments.
Why Your Support Matters
It’s exciting to witness the youth share and teach about how their lives are changing by applying what they learned in a few months. I anticipate a deepened impact and learning as the youth mentors share their wisdom and learning in the upcoming Kliptown 5-day training in January. Given their achievements, imagine the future these young mentors can create by inspiring and empowering their peers. Consider the possibilities as they start offering Instigating Excellence trainings across South Africa and beyond. Think of the ripple effect!
This is what I envisioned and hoped for as Operation Instigation materialised. It all starts with investing in these beginnings so they can become a movement of youth who confidently shape their future and their communities.
How You Can Help:
We need YOU to help realise this reality through your contributions.
End-of-Year Contributions: Please donate on or before Giving Tuesday (Dec 3, 2024).
Monthly Contributions: To celebrate my 60th birthday in February, contribute $60/€60/R60 monthly.
Sponsorship: Partner with us through CSR initiatives. Or recommend our mission to charities/foundations that support social justice and youth development.
Together, let’s invest in this mission to create empowered leaders who shape brighter futures for their communities.
Thank you for your partnership in this vision.
Gratefully,
Alycia
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