The Youth Empowerment Society (Yes) is a new initiative among Grade 11 students in Grahamstown who meet once or twice a term to discuss local, national and international issues.
The Youth Empowerment Society (Yes) is a new initiative among Grade 11 students in Grahamstown who meet once or twice a term to discuss local, national and international issues.
The idea originated with History teachers, Trish Middlebrook, (a teacher at DSG and St Andrew’s College), and Louella Hastie of Victoria Girls’ High, who are acutely aware that discussion within History classes takes place between students from similar social and economic backgrounds which often makes discussion one-sided.
The students of Yes are encouraged to listen to other’s opinions, build connections and widen their perspectives.
Topics so far have included discussions around education, racism, gender, media and substance abuse. The students are now keen to develop a buddy system where they attend each others’ schools and help each other with studies.
Schools who are already involved are Nombulelo, VGHS, Graeme, St Andrew’s, Mary Waters and DSG. The intention is to expand the group so any schools who would like to find out more can contact t.middlebrook@dsgschool. com
