The Light From Africa Foundation (LFAF), in partnership with Femmove, has successfully completed another impactful cycle of its Youth Leadership Programme — a holistic youth development initiative designed to empower high school learners with confidence, emotional intelligence, and practical leadership skills.
This recent programme cycle engaged learners from Zonnebloem Nest Senior School, Wittebome High School, and Good Hope Seminary High School, guiding each participant through a journey of self-discovery, personal growth, and leadership development rooted in creativity, movement, mindfulness, and coaching.
A Holistic Youth Leadership Programme for High School Learners
LFAF’s Youth Leadership Programme is a structured 10-session leadership development course created to equip teenagers with essential life and leadership skills that extend beyond the classroom.
Since its launch in 2022, the programme has grown steadily in reach and impact:
- 2022: 150 youth participants
- 2023: 130 youth participants
- 2024: 350 youth participants and 120 adults (community leadership extension)
- 2025: 161 youth participants
To date, the programme has reached 911 youth and adults across 11 high schools in the Western Cape, including:
Athlone High School, Alexander Sinton High School, Bridgetown High School, Christel House South Africa, Crystal High School, Fairmount High School, Mountview High School, Luhlaza Secondary School, Wittebome High School, Zonnebloem Nest Senior School, and Good Hope Seminary High School.
Leadership Development Through Mindfulness, Movement, and Creativity
The Youth Leadership Programme is built on a holistic curriculum that supports young people’s emotional, mental, physical, and social development. Core programme elements include:
- Foundational leadership theory
- Creative movement and dance
- Mindfulness and emotional wellness practices
- Identity exploration and self-awareness
- Communication and teamwork skills
- Goal-setting and reflective practice
This integrated approach ensures learners develop as confident, grounded, and self-aware leaders, capable of navigating personal and social challenges with resilience.
One of the programme’s most distinctive features is its use of dance and mindful movement as leadership tools. According to facilitator Megan Goliath, movement improves physical fitness, reduces stress, increases circulation, and boosts energy levels. It also offers learners a safe emotional outlet, helping them express themselves freely while building confidence and self-acceptance.
Creating Safe Spaces for Teen Leadership and Emotional Growth
At the heart of the Youth Leadership Programme is the safe, supportive environment it creates for teenagers. Through warm, non-judgmental facilitation, learners are encouraged to speak openly about academic pressure, friendships, mental health, family dynamics, and personal challenges.
Many participants begin the programme feeling shy or withdrawn. Over time, they grow more confident, expressive, and emotionally aware — a critical foundation for authentic leadership.
For several learners, this programme provided the first space where they felt truly seen, heard, and valued, reinforcing the belief that leadership begins with self-worth and emotional safety.
Youth Voices: Real Stories of Leadership Transformation
The programme’s impact is best reflected through the voices of the learners themselves.
- Diana Nakajuko (Grade 9, Good Hope Seminary) shared that the programme helped her navigate depression, rediscover joy through movement, and build confidence — describing the experience as life-changing.
- Gabrielle Mashonga (Grade 10) spoke about becoming more open-minded, social, and self-assured, and expressed a strong desire to participate again.
- Ulikamva Zenzile (Grade 10) reflected on gaining a deeper understanding of leadership, recognising that true leadership is not about followers, but about being grounded and inspiring others through action.
Across schools and community groups, learners consistently reported improved self-esteem, stronger communication skills, deeper peer connections, and a renewed sense of purpose.
These achievements were celebrated at a joyful graduation ceremony, where learners received certificates recognising their growth and leadership journey.
Programme Reach: Schools, NGOs, and Rural Youth Leadership
Beyond schools, the Youth Leadership Programme has partnered with four community-based NGOs — Project Playground Langa, Heaven’s Nest Child Care & Recreation Centre, Vannie Hanover Park, and AWQAF — extending leadership training to diverse youth groups.
LFAF also continues to deliver rural youth leadership programmes in Suurbraak, including the Youth Leadership (Suurbraak) group and Girls with Goals, ensuring access to leadership development beyond urban centres.
Building the Next Generation of Confident Leaders
The Youth Leadership Programme reflects LFAF’s belief that leadership is nurtured through opportunity, guidance, and connection. By creating safe, supportive spaces for young people to grow, LFAF is helping shape a generation of confident, capable, and compassionate leaders.
This cycle’s success would not have been possible without facilitator Megan Goliath, our partner organisation Femmove, committed school partners, and — most importantly — the courageous young leaders who participated.
As the programme continues to expand, LFAF remains committed to youth empowerment, dignity, creativity, and community development across South Africa.
For more information or to support the programme, email: info@lightfromafrica.com.
