October 2017, Issue 3
Blazing Life Lessons Youth Representative at the UN
Sustainable Cities and Communities
News Analysis
Leadership
Youth Representative at the UN
Growing Smart Leaders St Boniface Chapter
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR The name says it all. Growing Smart Leaders! is a call to action. It is a philosophy. As a young person, you need to start thinking how you can shape the future and improve the current state of the economy, health, education, community engagement and a host of other socioeconomic issues that requires smart solutions. With every interview, article, feature and photograph within this newsletter, the publication speaks to those desires and helps young minds to shift their perspective about living a more productive way of life. We aim to shift traditional and destructive frames of mind through empowering, educating and encouraging the youth through quality journalism. Growing Smart Leaders (GSL) Newsletter! Speaks directly to the hearts and minds of #ChangeMakers while motivating action toward positive change.
SA You
In this Issue News Analysis…………………..…3 SDG 11 Sustainable Cities and Communities……………..….…..4-5 Inspirational story………………...6 Blazing Life Lessons…….….……..7
Those fortunate enough to receive this newsletter and making the time to carefully go through it are not only readers; they are change-makers, activists and trendsetters. In this issue, read about Patson Malisa one of the youngest minds making a difference not only in our country but the entire continent. Furthermore, there are a number of inspirational columns to help you think positive and resolve to improve your personal, professional and public life. We also featured young who Eden Eskaros started at the age of 10 to advocate for poverty eradication. Goal for this month in Solving it with Palesa Makara is SDG Goal 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. This publication transcends into the heart of leadership. It covers a mix of social challenges Social challenges the youth come across on a daily basis and encourages them to see these obstacles as pathways to unleash their potential and be part of the solution.
Growing Smart Leaders Chapter.8-9 Wall of Inspiration ……………....10 Leadership………………………….11 Menu of services…….…………….12
The Growing Smart Leaders publication is part of the TheReformist Social Venture’s Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development, to break the cycle of poverty, escape mediocrity and demolish the infrastructure of low expectations. © 2017 June Mokoka . All rights reserved. All content of this publication is copyright protected and no content can be re-published without prior consent of Growing Smart Leaders publication. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. These are protected by international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.
Disclaimer: The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its contributor and does not constitute an endorsement by the Growing Smart Leaders publication. Therefore, the Growing Smart Leaders publication carries no responsibility for the opinion expressed therein. All material published in the Growing Smart Leaders publication including adverts, editorials, articles and all other content is published in good faith. Growing Smart Leaders publication does not accept responsibility for the accuracy of claims made by advertisers.
info@trsv.co.za www.trsv.co.a June mokoka
Growing Smart Leaders
Growing Smart Leader
growing smart leaders
News Analysis With June Mokoka SA youth representative at the United Nations The following article was originally published in the Mail & Guardian. Patson Malisa is one of South Africa’s youngest shining human examples. Due to lack of funds, he couldn’t pursue his tertiary education immediately after completing Grade 12, but that didn’t stop him to explore avenues given to the youth to advance their lives. Patson Malisa’s deep desire to serve humanity was inspired by his school history teacher, whose passion set him on a quest to contribute to the shaping of philosophies governing leadership and integrity. By age 22, Patson already had multiple roles on local and international platforms as an advocate for the advancement of the youth in sustainable development. He is on the Organisation of African Youth’s Continental Executive Committee, and is South Africa’s country officer for the Network of African Youth for Development. Patson is also the chairperson for South Africa at the International Youth Council, where he represents the country at the Youth Assembly at the United Nations, which is designed to mobilise global youth towards joint efforts in achieving the UN’s Global Development Agenda. In this role he has been a delegate at the World Conference on Youth, held in Sri Lanka, and has been chair of Rapporteurs and Negotiations for the Outcome Document at the 2014 High Level Youth Policy Dialogue on Sustainable Development Goals hosted by the UN. “All of these platforms strive for the advancement of the youth voice in South Africa with regards to development,” says Patson. “The opportunity I’ve been given to represent the young people of South Africa on platforms where there has been no previous representation drives me to work harder,
and to always produce my best. Serving our country is an honour and a privilege.” Patson considers the greatest challenge in this field is being able to see the opportunities to make things better. “Obstacles often cripple development advocates, who become cynical and apathetic in their answers to the challenges that face us in our quest to better people’s lives. However, the ones who realise the opportunities to give and improve the lives of people are the ones who end up leaving a legacy in the realms of politics and diplomacy.” — Linda Doke Copyright © 2015 Mail & Guardian. All rights reserved.
For an opportunity to invite Patson Malisa to your school. Contact us info@trsv.co.za and motivate in a maximum of 200 words why it would be good for your school to interact with him
Solving It With Palesa Makara In This Issue I Support
Why? Half of humanity—3.5 billion people—live in cities today, and this number will continue to grow. Because the future will be urban for a majority of people, the solutions to some of the greatest issues facing humans— poverty, climate change, healthcare, education— must be found in city life. In addition, some of the most pressing challenges that cities face today. Inequality is a big concern. 828 million people live in slums and this number keeps rising. The levels of urban energy consumption and pollution are also worrying. Cities occupy just 3 per cent of the Earth’s land, but account for 60-80 per cent of energy consumption and 75 per cent of carbon emissions. Many cities are also more vulnerable to climate change and natural disasters due to their high concentration of people and location so building urban resilience is crucial to avoid human, social and economic losses.
What can You do to help achieve this goal? • Take
an active interest in the governance and management of your city
• Take
notice of what works, and what doesn’t in your community
• Advocate
for the kind of city you believe you need
• Develop
a vision for your building, street, and neighbourhood, and act on that vision. Are there enough jobs? Are you close to healthcare? Can your children walk to school safely? Can you walk with your family at night? How far is the nearest public transport? What’s the air quality like? What are your shared public spaces like? The better the conditions you create in your community, the greater the effect on quality of life.
To find out more about Goal #11 and other Sustainable Development Goals, visit: http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment
INSPITATIONAL STORY Face Your Challenges Courageously\by STEPHEN on NOVEMBER 14, 2008
1.3 FACE CHALLENGES COURAGEOUSLY in EDUCATION, INSPIRATIONAL1.2 STORIES, STORIES COURAGEOUSLY FACEMORAL CHALLENGES This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well and the farmer heard the mule pray or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead he called his neighbor together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery. Initially the old mule was hysterical but as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP! This he did, blow after blow.” Shake it off and step up… shake it off and step up” he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP! It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well!! what seemed like it would bury him actually helped him… all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity. THAT’S LIFE If we face our problems and respond to the positively, and refuse to give in panic, bitterness, or self-pity.
Blazing Life Lessons
Let Go of Toxic Influences By June Mokoka
We all have toxic influences around us, some come sugar-coated as friends, family members, the unfortunate ones are teachers or any influential community members and the sad reality is that, we can be can be our own toxic tonic. To be able to escape this harmful encounter, always remember that it is difficult to grow in an environment where you are constantly broken mentally or emotionally. It is not easy to just cut loose and move on without feelings of guilt, but it is important to Learn to let go and never allow their external words or actions affect your inner peace. Always remember, toxic people are manipulative abusers who control everything and everybody. They never question themselves if perhaps the problem could be with them because deep within they believe the problem is somewhere else or with someone else. Much as it is hard to avoid toxic people, it is just as hard to reflect and find the toxicity in ourselves. The following are smart practical steps you can take to preserve yourself by not being a toxic influence as well as removing the influence of toxic people in your life. 1. Surround yourself with people who make you feel safe, cherished and happy. 2. Establish and maintain boundaries on what you will tolerate and what you won’t. 3. Reduce their power over your emotions by being less bothered when they pour their suppressed self-hatred into attacking you. 4. Choose your battles wisely because conflict with toxic people requires huge amounts of energy and time, it is not necessary to engage in every fight that they might trigger. 5. Do not feel guilty about removing people who disregard your feelings, ignores your boundaries, and continues to treat you in a harmful way. 6. Change is hard but if that is what we need there is no other way about it, and it sometimes comes in the words goodbye. “Because at some point you have to realize that some people can stay in your heart but not in your life." - Sandi Lynn It's a painful journey to to accept that you must walk away from a toxic relationship but it is one worth taking in the end. Stop keeping relationships-with people that make you feel guilty about things that you like, that put you down and don’t support you. they aren’t inherently bad people, but they aren’t the right people for you. And as hard as it is, we have to let them go. Life is hard enough without being around people who bring you down, and as much as you care, you can’t destroy yourself for the sake of someone else. You have to make your wellbeing a priority. Whether that means breaking up with someone you care about, loving a family member from a distance, letting go of a friend, or removing yourself from a situation that feels painful — you have every right to leave and create a safer space for yourself." Daniell Koepke
Growing Smart Leaders St Boniface Chapter
What is the Growing Smart Leaders (GSL) Chapter? A Youth Empowerment and Leadership Development Initiative where young people come together and brainstorm ideas on how they can assist in the development of the country using the UN Sustainable Development Goals as their yardstick, through projects that will lead to both personal and socio-economic development. How often do you meet? We meet every Thursdays at the St Boniface High School in Kimberley. What types of issues are discussed? Issues affecting the economy, challenges our young people experiences, as well as social ills crippling sustainable development in communities, the country and the world at large. How do I get involved? We welcome whatsoever positive contribution in whichever way (time, money, expertise, etc.) For more information on how you can be of value to Growing Smart Leaders Initiative contact the Director: Ms Palesa Makara by email on info@trsv.co.za or call her on 0787513600 What developmental issues are important to you? Education, Health and job creation are most significant to me, the interdisciplinary nature of these challenges. Once one issue is solved, that can easily lead to any of the other two being resolved. What challenges have you experienced in implementing the GSL Chapter? This initiative introduces an I Can Do It approach to problem solving. With so much negativity, finger pointing, with a mentality that is somebody else’s responsibility to change challenging situations. We sit with a problem of people looking at someone to be the change they want to see. People are not open to new ideas, especially when that involves working hard towards creatively implementing innovative solutions. Consistency and attendance is a challenge as they still can’t perceive themselves as the great minds required to tackle humanity’s grand challenges. What is your favourite quote and why? “Great things will happen when you get up, dust yourself off, and go after life with determination and courage.” -- BILLY COX. In life we are always faced with challenges therefore this quote encourages me to keep fighting irrespective of how many times I fall.
GSL St Boniface Chapter in Action
“Your strength doesn’t come from winning; it comes from struggles and hardships. Everything that you go through prepares you for the next level.”-Germany Kent
“Invest in yourself first, expect nothing from no one and be willing to work for everything.”—
Tony Gaskins
“If you want to thrive, you need to sow the seeds of self development.”— Brian Buffini
“Once you realize that you have identified a passion, invest in yourself. Figure out what you need to know, what kind of experience and expertise you need to develop to do the things that you feel in your heart you will enjoy and that will sustain you both mentally and economically.”-- Martha Stewart
YOUTH LEADERSHIP: ENGAGING YOUNG PEOPLE FOR SOCIAL GOOD by Marilyn Price-Mitchell,
When it comes to youth leadership, Eden Eskaros is learning about social innovation at a young age. On a recent trip to Mexico, Eden, age 10, was horrified to learn that children lived in dismal situations, using cardboard boxes as beds. She also noticed they had no shoes. Eden was moved to help these children by making a commitment to bring back 100 pairs of shoes on her next trip.
She returned home to New Jersey and enlisted the aid of a local shoe store and her church. As a result, she’s prepared to send over 1,000 pairs of shoes to her new friends in Mexico. Eden’s story is a great example of how children are often transformed by face-to-face interactions with people living in poverty. Clearly, Eden has developed the ability to empathize, to put herself in the place of another. Most children develop this capacity by the age of six and are capable of taking action to help people in need. They particularly benefit from seeing the direct benefits of their actions. Close to the age where she will ask deeper questions about poverty, Eden Eskaros is on her way to becoming an engaged, compassionate citizen. During adolescence, children’s brains develop the capacity to understand the systemic issues involved in helping those in need. For example, Eden may begin to ask, “Why are children living in poverty?” or, “What are the root causes of poverty?” The Growing Smart Leaders Chapters empowers the youth to become active citizenswho develop a passion to serve, form transformative interactions, values driven life, understand the root causes of social challenges and perceive themselves as part of the solution.
Leverage your weaknesses and be MAD (Make A Difference). In this branded coaching June inspires positivity, perseverance and relying on the power within that drives success in transitioning periods. She provides a valuable insight that propels individuals to develop positive new behaviours in their personal, professional and public life. An Intervention Strategist and Motivational Speaker i n the business of reminding people why they’re so immensely valuable - to their companies, to their communities, and to the people they want to lead and inspire. Intervention and— Motivational Speakerbreakout i n the She speaks in a An variety of formatsStrategist and venues corporate retreats, business of sessions, in-house workshops, and conferences focusing on inspirational leadership, personal development, social cohesion, and entrepreneurial development.
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Growing Smart Leaders
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