Powered by Empowervate trust, The Youth Citizens Action Programme or YCAP is a youth development competition-based programme that focuses on the empowerment, motivation and skills acquisition of a new generation of active citizens. YCAP encourages learners from Primary and Secondary schools to identify challenges and create actions to solve or lessen the problems within their school and/or communities.
All schools and communities face social, environmental and academic challenges, many of which can be solved from a ground-up approach. By creating an environment where learners have the opportunity to brainstorm solutions, a sense of ownership is cultivated, and action is ensured.
When learners have a sense of ownership and the opportunity to become agents of change, positive values are instilled, their confidence and self-esteem are boosted, all while developing practical skills.
The programme is powered by Empowervate Trust (NPO 132-121) and its funders and is implemented in collaboration with the National Department of Basic Education.
YCAP gives learners an opportunity to become agents of change with positive values that not only boost their confidence and self-esteem but also develop important practical skills. YCAP focuses on developing practical skills such as:
– communication, organisation, project management, teamwork, leadership, time management, discipline, commitment, perseverance, public speaking and information technology –
Participating in the YCAP programme will assist in creating a team of proactive learners who can be role models for those around them, with the added benefit of the prizes at the national level that can be used to expand projects or start new ones.
YCAP AT YOUR SCHOOL
YCAP is a great platform for Representative Learner Councils and Teacher Liaison Officers, but participation is not restricted to these groups, and broader engagement is encouraged.
YCAP encourages a problem-solving and values-driven mindset as a precursor to social entrepreneurship and fits naturally into Economic Management Science, Life Orientation and Business Studies.
YCAP enables teachers, through the practical skills instilled, to become coaches and mentors to the participating teams, all while building morale and positivity in the school.