Al-Qalam 
Al-Qalam Reporter
The Muslim Youth Movement’s Ambassadors for Change Programme got underway in Durban this week aimed at transforming future generations and turning them into great leaders.
The six-day programme is training youth between the ages of 17 and 30 to participate in a multicultural and pluralistic society without compromising their religious beliefs.
“The former public protector highlighted the need for leaders at all levels of society. We need people who call out leaders who deviate from the path of building a united nation where everyone’s potential is freed and lives improved. The people must call out leaders who do not walk their talk on matters of ethics, anti-corruption and general good governance,” said Asif Essop, the administrator of MYM.
He added: “Young people at schools, universities and in society are becoming increasingly frustrated with the state of the nation and are manipulated by destructive forces to commit actions that are counter active to restoring the values of Ubuntu. It is therefore of paramount importance for the energy of young people to be channeled into becoming ethical leaders and are seen as key players in any attempt at restoring ethical values and morality in South Africa,” said Essop.
Some of the important skills being taught to participants at the workshop include: self-awareness, leadership and advocacy, human rights, xenophobia, gender constraints facilitation, cultural and historical strengths.
“This unique programme creates the opportunity for 30 young people from secondary schools, universities and non -governmental organizations nationally and from SADC countries to participate in the course that is designed to give participants critical thinking skills, knowledge, participatory methods and techniques to facilitate community workshops, dialogues and ways to uplift the community in order to assist those who are victims of discrimination and unethical action,” said Essop.
He said the most important part of the training was to develop youth to become responsible citizens, progressive leaders and have an impetus for collective action.
“In South Africa, the results of unethical behaviour is in the news almost daily: issues of rampant racism, horrific stories of gender-based violence against women and the girl child, falsifying qualifications, acquiring tenders through illegal means, corrupt and unethical politicians and lawlessness in the country sends a warning bell to society,” said Essop.
He said because South African society has descended into moral decay and the youth are the ones who bear the brunt of this evil, they are often perceived as the agents of immoral behaviour or helpless victims who need some external intervention.
“On the contrary, moral transformation should aim at harnessing and supporting the energy and creative spirit of youth towards moral renewal and this is what the programme is doing.”
The Ambassadors for Change Workshop is just one of the many skills development and community upliftment initiatives of the MYM.
“The MYM is a 50-year-old organisation and a pioneer in youth development by organizing progressive leadership programmes in a non-racial Ummah. The executive felt that it was most imperative to develop a training course that will prepare leaders to participate in a multi-cultural and pluralistic society, promoting democracy and advocating community causes to improve quality of life and a better future for all,” said Essop.
