Empowering Change: How One YCAP Project Transformed a School and a Community

In 2016, a passionate teacher at Tidimane Secondary School took part in the Youth Citizens Action Programme (YCAP), leading an initiative that would go on to transform not just the school, but the entire community. The project’s focus was simple yet profound: renovate the school library to revive the love for reading among learners and staff.

The Journey Begins: A Library Renovation with Purpose

The school library, once neglected and underutilised, became the heart of the school once again. Through recruitment and strategic planning, the team worked tirelessly to reorganise the space, acquire resources, and involve the community. The learners, who participated in the project, gained invaluable skills such as organisation, teamwork, and leadership—all essential components of the YCAP toolkit.

The Impact: A Love for Learning and Beyond

The results were nothing short of remarkable. Not only did the project reignite a love for reading, but it also improved literacy and vocabulary skills across the board. The school introduced new programs like “Drop Everything and Read,” and even began celebrating World Read Aloud Day. Learners learned how to present using PowerPoint, enhancing their IT skills, and the library became a place where both students and educators came together to learn and grow.

Sustainability: Continuing the Ripple Effect

The success of this YCAP project has had a long-lasting impact. A dedicated teacher-librarian was appointed to ensure the continued use and maintenance of the library. A reading competition was organised to keep learners engaged, and the school received donations of books, including dictionaries, fiction, and non-fiction novels. But the impact didn’t stop there.

New Projects Sparked by YCAP

The success of the library project sparked new initiatives that addressed critical issues within the community. In 2019, the team started a project providing girls with sanitary towels to ensure they could attend school consistently. In 2023, they launched an initiative focused on combating drug and substance abuse among teenagers. This year, 2024, they are addressing socio-economic challenges with a poverty alleviation program.

The Power of YCAP: Equipping Learners for Life

YCAP’s impact goes beyond the projects themselves. It equips learners with skills that last a lifetime — problem-solving, research, public speaking, teamwork, and IT skills. This teacher’s dedication has empowered learners to become responsible, engaged citizens, capable of addressing social inequalities, environmental concerns, and public health challenges.

The Future: Continuing to Make a Difference

Looking forward, the teacher and their learners plan to tackle new challenges, including teenage pregnancy and the promotion of math and science among students. Their story is a testament to the sustainability and far-reaching effects of YCAP, showing how one project can spark ongoing change.

YCAP at Tidimane Secondary School has not only transformed the school but has created a lasting legacy in the community, empowering learners and educators alike to continue making a difference.

This story is just one of many that demonstrate the impact of YCAP in schools across South Africa. To continue empowering change agents like this teacher, we invite you to support our mission. Your partnership can help us expand our reach, empowering more schools and communities with the tools and skills to drive sustainable change.

To learn more about this impactful project and how you can support our ongoing efforts, contact us at info@empowervate.org and visit our Social Media pages, @Empoervate and keep an eye out for more blog posts in the Impact Series.

Together, we can continue to empower the next generation and make a real difference in the lives of our youth.

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