On 10 March 2010, Orange Business Services launched a sports and life skills programme for youth in Cape Town. The Joshua Generation Programme, derived from the infamous Biblical story of Israelites, stepping out of their current situations (Egypt) into (Promised Land) their future. The programme is aimed to teach, train and equip the youth. Mentoring young people to their full potential and creating mighty leaders, history-makers and world-changers!
Orange Business Services directors and staff recognised a lack of personal skills, self-confidence and skills in general, in the young people of their own communities in Cape Town. It thus started this programme with the intention that staff members become involved and hands-on in the programme.
Germaine Blaauw (CSI Manager), with the assistance of staff, then developed a life skills programme, including topics such as 'Discovering Me', 'Career Guidance' and 'Self-Image', which are integrated with the sports they partake in.
A briefing session was held at Urban Renewal building in Mitchell's Plain. A number of chairpersons and coaches of local sporting teams were invited to the presentation with the intention that their team sign up for the programme. The briefing session was an unconventional one, with a humorous icebreaker and games. Two teams were recruited as a result of this session, namely Mr Price Parkhurst and Stanturf football clubs.
The first lesson at Mr Price Parkhurst was an enthralling one. CSI Manager and three directors were greeted by the beaming excitement of 19 12-year-old boys and their coach. As planned, there was an introductory icebreaker, with each Orange member introducing themselves by name, shoe size, favourite toothpaste and their favourite 'move' - the room was roaring with laughter. Then a practical illustration consisting of each boy getting a bag (representing the self) filled with a pen (making your mark), a roll of cotton ('stitching' skills to your life), a key ring (taking your lesson learnt wherever you go), and sunglasses (having a vision for your life). An athletic game of 'crab soccer' was then played, the aim to position oneself and being ready when the ball comes at you. The boys then wrote a journal of what they had learnt that day. Germaine concluded with getting feedback from the boys and ending with a powerful motivation on 'vision'.
Due to venue requirements and team availability, the second candidates, Standturf Football Club, unfortunately only commenced their programme in April 2010. Orange Business Services was offered the facility at the Rockland's Rugby Field in Mitchell's Plain at no cost, due to the help of Urban Renewal, Mitchell's Plain and City of Cape Town officials. These teams have a vast age difference and require a more practical method of teaching. The Orange team is eager and ready to accomplish all obstacles and help bring out their full potential, as this is the goal we all strive for no matter what the consequences are.
In conclusion, Joshua Generation is a knowledgeable team, with seven to eight years of experience working with children and youth, with additional exciting and creative energy to make a change. We strive to make this programme not a short-term one, but a lifetime opportunity and experience to live life to the fullest. We have confidence in this programme and can already see our future mentors and leaders out of these enthusiastic young people.
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