Twenty-five teenagers who took part in a Hout Bay Lions Club leadership course received their graduation certificates at Hout Bay library on Saturday July 20.
The leadership programme started in November last year, according the club’s president, Elizabeth Boonzaier (“Hout Bay Lions recruit teens for leadership course,” December 2023).
It included a bonding weekend at Rondevlei and lessons on public speaking, conflict resolution, career planning, budgeting and more.
“With the practical component, the group had to identify a community need and decided on health and hygiene packs. They raised funds and compiled 55 bags which they handed to youth at Sakhisizwe Youth Development Program on Thursday July 18, Mandela Day,“ said Ms Boonzaier.
Hout Bay High School pupil Olothando Fani, of Imizamo Yethu, was chosen as the project leader by her peers and showed outstanding leadership qualities during the project phase, according to Ms Boonzaier.
“I first heard about Lions Club when my principal chose me and a few students to participate in the programme. I joined the programme as I thought it would be a good way to up-skill myself and to gain more experience,” she said.
Olothando hopes to pursue a career in business administration and said the leadership programme was a great way to gain experience.
“It has helped me in planning for the future, and it has equipped me with skills that I didn’t know I had in me. It has also shown me just because you are from a small community you can also dream big.”
Ms Boonzaier thanked Hout Bay High principal Juan Julius for supporting the programme and making the school premises available for the evening sessions.
