The Gauteng Department of Social Development (DSD) and SCOUTS South Africa’s Gauteng Region offer Scouting to nearly 500 boys aged 11 to 17 through DSD Scout Groups as part of an ongoing partnership through DSD’s boy child initiative. We spoke to DSD Project Coordinator Sakhile Mbatha about her Scouting journey and the impact the project is having in the region.
“As a young person I grew up with a spirit of volunteering. It was through a community project that I was invited to attend a Scout camp at Gilwell alongside Scouts and Scout Leaders from Thutolefa Secondary School. As a hike guide and adventure enthusiast, I enjoy camping and similar outings. During that camp I realised that essentially, I was a Scout at heart, I had just not realised it yet!” she laughs. Since then, Sakhile completed her Adult Leadership Training and Warrant course to become a DSD Leader Intern and now, she is the DSD Project Coordinator.
“Our DSD Boy Child Initiative addresses key issues affecting the boy child such as substance abuse, gender-based violence, and gangsterism. Also, society often places significant responsibilities on boys from a young age, expecting them to be providers, to put others first, to hold back their emotions, and so on. Through the Scout values, Scout Law and the Scout method we are able to shape the boys within the programme to be responsible, accountable and resourceful community members and role models to their friends and family. As DSD Scout Leaders we work hard to create safe spaces where the boys can connect, express themselves, build their leadership, teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as develop their emotional intelligence and realise the importance of personal well-being”, continues Sakhile.
“Our DSD project doesn’t only build the young boys in the programme, but also creates on the job experience and training opportunities for 25 DSD Leader Interns who run the Scout Groups”, she says enthusiastically. “When I joined the programme as a DSD Leader Intern, I never thought I would be the Project Coordinator one day. Stepping into the role has been my biggest personal highlight of this programme! I’m grateful to the leaders who took a leap of faith in me. It’s written grace all over it and I believe it was my time. It is a breakthrough in my career. It’s a testament to the programme’s potential for growth. We still want to expand the project’s reach, and we will need more youth to lead the Groups. Other highlights for me were our DSD Scouts involvement in the Regional Kontiki event where I got to shake hands with the US Ambassador, as well as our recent participation in the Regional Kim Shield competition. We had over 100 DSD Scouts participating! For many of our DSD Leaders and Scouts, including myself, it was our first participation, and it opened our eyes to the World Scouting Movement, we saw that we are part of something larger! And lastly, having my 1st generation of Scouts and Scout Leaders starting their journey under my guidance as we started 5 new Groups this year. Being able to create that foundation for them, is a highlight for me.”
Scouting teaches youth to create a safe place for everyone
So, has the project made a difference on the boys and DSD Leaders in the programme over the years? “Yes, it has! By embracing Scouting’s principles, Law and values, DSD Scouts and Leaders develop a strong foundation for success in all aspects of life. I have observed the Scouts’ behaviour changing. They become well-mannered and resilient, they grow discipline and self-control and are able to overcome peer pressure and temptations such as substance abuse and they start to stand up for what’s right. The DSD leader interns also develop through the programme as their communication improves, as well as their time management skills, work ethic, trustworthiness, calmness, composure and conflict resolution abilities. I see their passion and dedication grow too as they become and remain positive mentors and role models for the boys.
In the programme we encourage Scouts to reflect on how to apply the Scout values we teach in their personal relationships with friends and family, in their community interactions and as they go about their daily life at home and in school. I believe by embracing these values, the young boys develop essential life skills that impacts the community and our province as a whole to combat Gender-Based Violence, crime, substance abuse, and so on. Scouting teaches our youth to create a safe place for everyone. I have seen and experienced that Scouting is a broad source of growth that doesn’t limit anyone based on their gender, race and physics. In Scouting, people find a home to learn and explore life as a whole.
Though I came to bring change to young people in my community, the programme changed me. I look at the boy child through different eyes, and personally have also become a better parent my son. I am more appreciative, and I have more respect for men in general because I now have a better knowledge and understanding of what males go through. I realise that is often starts with us mothers and the society in general. I think it is important for us to remember that as role models, we play a vital role in giving disadvantaged kids hope for a better future. Our consistency and positive influence help counteract negative environmental factors, such as gangsterism, crime, and substance abuse. We bridge the gap left by absent or inadequate role models, guiding them toward a brighter path.”
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