International Youth Programme held at Monash South Africa campus

1 June 2006

Monash South Africa hosted the annual International Training in Communication (ITC) Youth Programme on its campus on Saturday, 27 May.

Radio personality Ms Kate Turkington, Monash Student Putseletso Sehahabane and ITC organizer Ms Ann Exton.

The day got off to a lively start with music by the Marimba players from St Barnabas College and Jembi drummers from St Peters College.

The keynote speaker, renowned travel writer and radio-personality, Kate Turkington, gave the learners an inspiring and motivating talk, including anecdotes from her travels, and encouraged them to make the best of their opportunities.

Monash student volunteers played a vital part in the day’s activities by acting as facilitators in the afternoon group sessions which focused on introducing De Bono’s ‘Thinking Skills’. Learners were encouraged to use these skills in debates on topics such as: "What kind of president is best for South Africa?"; "Is the media to blame for the irresponsible sexual activities of teenagers?" as well as "How should one choose a life partner?"

Monash student facilitators at the ITC event Putseletso Sehahabane, Robert Sham and Minah Koza.

Learners participated enthusiastically and interactively in the debates and had the opportunity to make their own voices heard, while having lots of fun in this inspiring event.

ITC is a non-profit organisation with headquarters in New Zealand and world-wide clubs including South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Australia. The main aim of the programme is to promote learning and growth through communication. Monash South Africa has hosted and co-sponsored the ITC Youth Programme since 2003.

“Monash is delighted to have participated in this successful and worthwhile event as part of our engagement with the broader community and we look forward to hosting it again next year,” says director of advancement Mr Andre Lubbe.