Al-Qalam 
By Azra Hoosen
The Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa (MYMSA) recently brought together 31 young people representing several schools for its annual Ambassadors for Change leadership workshop, a six-day programme held at the Al-Ansaar Conference Centre from 29 June to 4 July.
The workshop focused on developing leadership, critical thinking and facilitation skills to prepare participants to make a positive impact in their communities.
The programme brought together Grade 10 and 11 learners from Crescent Girls’ High School, Orient Islamic School, Al Falaah College, Insaan Boys’ College and Ihsaan Girls’ College, equipping them with the skills to become ethical leaders and positive role models in their communities.
Against a backdrop of rising racism, gender-based violence, corruption and growing social division in South Africa, the programme challenged participants to think critically about the role they can play in building a more just and compassionate society.
Throughout the week, participants explored topics including identity and self-reflection, discrimination, racism, xenophobia, prejudice, gender-based violence, human rights, communication, public speaking and facilitation skills. They also gained practical experience through a radio interview at Radio Al-Ansaar.
Sessions were facilitated by a range of experts, including the Isibani Law and Therapy Centre on gender-based violence and Attorney Jessica Ngobese from the Department of Justice on human rights and responsibilities.
The programme aims to prepare young people to participate confidently in South Africa’s diverse society while remaining grounded in their values. It also seeks to develop critical thinking, ethical decision-making and leadership skills so that graduates can become ambassadors for positive change within their schools and communities.
Programme facilitator Arun Naicker told Al-Qalam that this year’s course was particularly encouraging because of the involvement of former participants.
“The 2026 Ambassadors for Change course brought together a vibrant group of learners from schools and a university. The highlight was the full participation of participants from 2022 to 2025, who joined the facilitation team and presented creative and exciting sessions,” she said.
Naicker noted that participants left with a deeper understanding of the social and economic issues affecting South Africans.
“The learners went away with a deep understanding of social and economic issues and how they affect the lives of people. They debated issues of discrimination, gender-based violence and the power of making informed choices,” she added.
For many participants, the programme was far more than leadership training.
Seventeen-year-old Lubone Kona, a Grade 11 learner at Muir College in the Eastern Cape, travelled to attend the programme and described it as a life-changing experience:
“Overall, I found the 2026 Ambassadors for Change programme highly interesting, informative and very enjoyable. It gave me the opportunity not just to make new friends, but to grow as a person and learn more about myself. Self-reflection was a huge part of this journey for me and it taught me that there’s always more to learn about myself.”
He said that the programme challenged participants to think differently about leadership and society.
“Through the programme, I gained leadership skills and the opportunity to view social issues from multiple perspectives. I think I speak for everyone who participated when I say that our critical thinking skills were truly tested and enhanced this week. It was a privilege to attend all the way from the Eastern Cape, and I’m grateful to the MYM for making it possible,” said Kona.
The final day of training focused on facilitation, lesson planning, community outreach and public speaking, equipping participants to facilitate similar discussions in their own schools and communities.
The workshop concluded with a closing ceremony, where the 31 participants received certificates of completion and reflected on what they had learnt during the week. The group left with a shared commitment to becoming ambassadors for positive change in their schools, campuses and communities.
