 |
NYS is here
Article by SLt R.B. Grootboom
Photos by AB S.C. Chengan
Enquiries: 021 787 4697 |
Since the commencement of
the first National Youth Service (NYS) Programme, at SAS
SALDANHA in 2011, the unit received its second intake of
approx 1000 youngsters over this weekend 4 6 August
2012. This programme, still in its infancy stage, is a
government imperative between the Ministry of Defence
and Military Veterans and the Ministry of Rural
Development and Land Reform, who entered into an
agreement for the Department of Defence (DOD) to provide
the NYS for the NARYSEC members of the Department of
Rural Development and Land Reform.
Learners seated in the Unit chapel
This is the third intake of
its kind and what started off initially with youth from
one province, spread throughout the country and now
proudly boasts with youth from four different provinces.
On Monday 06 August 2012
the Officer Commanding SAS SALDANHA, Capt V. Pillay
welcomed learners to the unit. He emphasised that
youngsters must remember that even though they drill,
they are not soldiers, however they must at all times
maintain the highest standards of discipline.
He further gave learners a
breakdown of what exactly awaits them over this 4 month
period and introduced the relevant staff members to the
youngsters.
Upon interviewing Felicia
Mashigo, one of the program learners, she expressed her
gratitude to her local community councellor who informed
her about this programme. Having just matriculated
recently, she views this programme as a stepping stone
toward realising her dream of ultimately becoming a
social worker.
Capt Pillay stressed the
fact that youngsters should not be part of the programme
simply because they want a stipend, but should be a part
of the programme because they genuinely want to learn
something in order to play an active role in changing
their environments.
Students during registration
What comes to mind is the
old saying
for every action there is an equal
reaction... Thus meaning that for every force there is
a reaction force that is equal in size. Implying that
for those youngsters entering into the programme because
they genuinely want to make a positive contribution,
this experience will result in a similar positive action
emanating in their communities, making society as a
whole a better place.
|
