The National Youth Summit, hosted by Beyond Zero, AFSA, and NACOSA, was a vibrant and inspiring event held on July 17th and 18th, 2024, at Roodevalley Premier Hotel. This summit brought together over 100 young people from eight provinces, creating a dynamic platform for reflection, discussion, and empowerment.

The first day of the summit set the tone with a series of engaging activities focused on reflecting on the programme. The sessions were designed to amplify the voices of the youth, emphasising the importance of “My Choice, My Voice” in their lives and the programme.

On the first day of the summit young people shared their personal experiences, successes, and challenges within the programme, fostering a deep sense of community and mutual understanding. The elevating youth voice session empowered attendees to speak out about their needs, aspirations, and desired changes, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping future initiatives. Additionally, the wheel of fortune – choices and goals activity encouraged participants to think critically about their life choices and set realistic goals for their futures in an interactive and fun way.

Day 2 built on the momentum of the previous day, starting with reflections on the insights gained and discussions held. The day was packed with sessions aimed at instilling core values and encouraging creative expression. A recap of yesterday’s activities helped solidify the learnings and experiences of Day 1, ensuring the insights gained were retained and acted upon. The ideas to live by and values sessions focused on identifying and embracing key values that can guide the young people in their personal and communal lives. Creative expressions provided an opportunity for participants to express themselves through various forms of art, showcasing their talents and perspectives in a vibrant and supportive environment. The world café was a collaborative and interactive session where participants discussed and formulated resolutions, which were then presented to provide a roadmap for future actions and initiatives.

The summit wasn’t just about serious discussions and reflections. It was also a celebration of youth, filled with fun and engaging activities. The atmosphere was vibrant and energetic, ensuring that learning and sharing were enjoyable experiences.

To recognise and reward participation, a variety of incentives were distributed, including branded water bottles, t-shirts, lip balms, notebooks, power banks, and many more. These items not only served as souvenirs of the event but also as practical tools that the young participants could use in their daily lives.

The National Youth Summit 2024 was more than just an event; it was a movement towards empowering the youth, amplifying their voices, and fostering a sense of community and purpose. The collaboration between Beyond Zero, AFSA, and NACOSA ensured a well-rounded and impactful experience for all attendees.

As we look forward to future summits, the resolutions and ideas generated during this event will undoubtedly pave the way for meaningful change and sustained engagement with the youth across the country. The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the young participants are a testament to their potential to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.