The Eastern Cape Department of Education, in collaboration with local stakeholders and traditional leaders, is spearheading a transformative initiative to address the rising issue of learner pregnancy and teenage motherhood in the Alfred Nzo East district. The Inkciyo/Indoni Peer Education Cultural Youth Camp, recently launched in Mbizana, aims to foster moral regeneration among youth aged 12-18 through culturally focused programs.
Objectives and Significance
The camp’s primary objective is to leverage cultural identity and traditions to curb social ills, particularly teenage pregnancy and motherhood, and to encourage positive behavioral change. “Our main objective is to advocate for moral regeneration targeting the youth by using identity-focused programs,” stated Muzi Nduku, a leading figure in the initiative. The program has garnered support from traditional leaders and various stakeholders, including the Winnie Madikizela Mandela Local Municipality, to uplift the lives and future of the AmaMpondo tribe.
Engaging Youth Through Culture
Recognizing the youth’s affinity for cultural activities, the camp integrates traditional practices to promote positive behavior. Activities such as sewing, knitting, crocheting, beadwork, and gardening are included to address socio-economic challenges that contribute to teenage pregnancy. “We fight dropout rates by engaging them in these cultural activities and skills development,” Nduku explained.
Promoting Core Values and Achieving Success
The camp emphasizes self-respect, confidence, democratic values, social justice, and fundamental human rights. Success stories from previous participants, including winners of the Indoni Program, highlight the effectiveness of this approach. Many participants have passed Grade 12, pursued higher education, and graduated without falling pregnant. These success stories serve as powerful role models for current participants.
Inclusive Participation and Community Involvement
Efforts have been made to ensure inclusive participation, including hosting camps in schools for learners with special needs. Imbumba Yamakhosikazi akomkhulu, along with virgin assessors, parents, headmen, and kings, champion the initiative, with support from the Department of Social Development and the Department of Health. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and local headmen are also involved to ensure safety.
Capacity Building and Peer Education
The Department of Education has contracted young social workers, teachers, and health promoters to facilitate the peer education component of the camp. Notably, Nduku leads the capacity-building program, emphasizing youth ownership and peer-led activities. “Learners will co-lead these programs themselves for a sense of ownership since they will go back and cascade to their schools,” Nduku noted.
Comprehensive Program and Community Dialogue
The camp’s comprehensive program includes singing the national anthem, reciting the preamble, drama performances on respect, singing and dancing, and drawing national symbols, all of which are part of a competition. Health talks on sexual and reproductive health, mental health, and social behavior networks are also scheduled, led by the Department of Health and psychologists from the Department of Social Development.
The surrounding community is actively involved, with organized community dialogues to enhance parent-child communication. Traditional leaders are tasked with cascading these programs to other regions not yet involved.
The Inkciyo/Indoni Peer Education Cultural Youth Camp represents a significant step towards addressing learner pregnancy and teenage motherhood through the power of culture, community, and education.
