The  Youth  Citizen  Action  Programme (YCAP)  is  a social  action  initiative  that  provides  learners  in Grade 6, 7, 9 and 10,  in  all  nine  provinces, the opportunity to drive positive social, environmental and academic change while becoming active and responsible citizens. YCAP is part of the Social Cohesion and Equity in Education programmes within the DBE in partnership with the Empowervate Trust. The Programme is sponsored by the Deutsche Bank South Africa Foundation and DSV SA. YCAP is also supported by UNISA who conducts an impact and feasibility study of the programme on an annual basis.

The creativity, commitment, hard work and most importantly, impact and sustainability of the projects, have rapidly increased since the first YCAP National Championships launched in 2008. Learners are provided with YCAP toolkits from the Empowervate Trust that assist them with identifying challenges in their schools and communities, ranging from social and academic to environmental issues. Learners, supported by their educators, follow the step-by-step guide to find creative and innovative solutions to the problem and to implement these actions.

Giving learners an opportunity of becoming agents of change with positive values is a positive way to boost their confidence and self-esteem as well as the development of their practical, communication, organisation, project management, teamwork and leadership skills. Participating in the YCAP Programme will assist in producing a team of proactive learners who are positive role models for other learners in their schools.

The provincial finalists from the primary and secondary school categories in each province will be showcased during the YCAP National Championships from 28 to 30 July 2017. Certificates will be presented at district, provincial and national level, and the top three teams per category will receive prize money to initiate their projects. Entries close on 31 March 2017.