GEORGE NEWS - Investing in the education and development of our youth will be beneficial for the future, said Lancewood chief executive officer (CEO) Cornel Lodewyks at the launch of Lancewood's Youth Development Programme (YDP) at Pine Lodge Resort on Monday 12 March.
The 20 learners, from Parkdene Secondary, Pacaltsdorp High, George High, Thembalethu High and Imizamo Yethu Secondary, were accepted into the programme after outshining other candidates in a rigorous selection process.
Lancewood programme director Margaret Africa said the principals of the five schools willingly assisted the YDP to achieve its objective.
Professor Quinton Johnson, Nelson Mandela University (NMU) George Campus principal, motivated the learners in his speech.
"I see the architects, surgeons, journalists, accountants and lawyers. It is within you. Don't let the world take your dreams," he told them.
Johnson reiterated the interest Lancewood takes in the future of young people and emphasised the importance of showing appreciation to educational institutions and teachers for moulding character.
"Set impossible standards for yourself. You're in the present, accelerating into the future."
A total of 20 learners from five local schools will benefit from the Lancewood Window to my Future Youth Development Programme. With the learners are Margaret Africa, far left, (Window to my Future programme director) and Cornel Lodewyks, far right, (Lancewood CEO). Photos: Brümilda Swartbooi
Lancewood's YDP will connect beneficiaries with mentors to achieve their aim of enhancing competencies in key academic subjects, life skills, community development and civil responsibility.
The programme will also assist beneficiaries in gaining access to tertiary institutions and ultimately stepping into desired professions.
Lodewyks said the YDP has always been a dream that is finally realising and expressed the hope that the programme's impact will grow significantly.
"The employment of young people at an organisation serves as an asset towards innovation. As the programme grows, Lancewood YDP aspires to touch the lives of more young people."
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