Voluntarism, service and sacrifice have long been values espoused by the anti-apartheid liberation movements and Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore says he is happy to see that these values continue to live in the efforts of Inyathelo's Youth in Philanthropy Programme (YIPPSA).

"It provides additional impetus to the already existing local and international volunteer spirit that is growing in our country," said MEC Dugmore when he addressed a Youth in Philanthropy Workshop and Certificate Ceremony yesterday.

The philanthropy programme is an initiative of Inyathelo, an NGO, which promotes social responsibility and personal philanthropy. The YIPPSA is a schools-based programme, targeted at Grades 10, 11, and 12 learners, that concurrently imparts life-skills education and builds a culture of giving and service among the youth.

It encourages learners to adopt a social service project in their community, to develop resource mobilisation strategies, and then to engage in a fundraising drive to contribute to the financial needs of the community organisation of their choice.

MEC Dugmore said that voluntarism, or human agency, "plays an important part in assisting our local community initiatives, schools and social service centres. It increases human capacity, provides opportunities for cultural learning, sharing and gaining perspectives on our global connectivity and our shared humanity.".

For enquiries, contact Gert Witbooi:  082 550 3938, or gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za.

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