The DBE, in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), successfully hosted the RCL GBEM Sport-for-Development (S4D) Training Camp at Camp Wildside in Boshoek, Rustenburg, from 8 to 12 May 2026. The camp served as a valuable platform focused on youth development, leadership, empowerment, and capacity building for young leaders from across the country.
Bringing together provincial officials, educators, and Representative Council of Learners (RCL) leaders, the programme created an engaging environment where learners were equipped with practical skills, knowledge, and collaborative experiences aimed at strengthening their ability to contribute meaningfully within their schools and communities. The initiative promoted personal growth, active citizenship, teamwork, communication, and positive decision-making.
Guided by the UNICEF South Africa Sport and Play-Based Sport-for-Development curriculum, learners participated in interactive activities designed to promote self-awareness, confidence, leadership, and healthy communication. Sessions such as Circle of Friends, Call It, Communicate! and I Matter! encouraged learners to express themselves confidently, build healthy relationships, and strengthen interpersonal skills.
One of the learners reflected on her experience, saying the camp helped her realise the importance of speaking up and respecting others. She shared that at first she felt shy during group activities, but through the sessions she became more confident in expressing her opinions. She added that the safe and supportive environment made it easier to learn about leadership and teamwork, and she now feels more prepared to take up responsibilities in her school.
The camp also highlighted Inclusive Education in practice through discussions focused on puberty, body changes, hygiene, menstruation, pregnancy, consent, HIV awareness, and healthy relationships. Learners engaged in meaningful conversations around sexuality education and the My Body, My Choices campaign, where they explored practical ways of addressing challenges affecting young people. Facilitators emphasised that puberty does not mean readiness for sex or marriage and encouraged learners to understand informed consent, emotional readiness, mutual respect, and responsible behaviour in relationships. These sessions aimed to empower learners with accurate information while promoting dignity, self-respect, and healthy choices.
As the programme concluded with a vibrant Gala Dinner, Mr Reitumetse Rapulane from Social Cohesion and Equity in Education at the Department of Basic Education encouraged learners to remember that true leadership begins within their schools and communities. He urged them to return to their schools and implement the GBEM programme by sharing the knowledge they had gained, inspiring their peers, and leading with integrity and compassion.
The training camp reaffirmed the Department of Basic Education and UNICEF’s commitment to empowering young people to become informed, responsible, and active leaders capable of creating positive change within their communities and beyond.