Young MOTivators’ Education Camp 2024

From October 16 – 18, we held our first Young MOTivators’ Education Camp (Youth Leadership Camp) of the year, a first-ever combined camp for youth from both the Eastern Cape and the Western Cape! This three-day camp trained 60 young people from local schools to grow into strong, values-driven leaders in their schools, colleges, and communities. Thanks to support from our funder, Scatec, these youth were able to experience the MOT programme and build skills that will help them uplift others in their communities.

This camp brought together students from Eureka Primary, Mzimkhulu Primary, Ethembeni High Schools from Eastern Cape, and Gardens Commercial High School from Western Capes.

Learning to Lead with Strong Values

At the camp, our Young MOTivators gained essential tools to lead with courage and integrity. They discovered that true leadership starts within—by being a leader in their own lives first. Setting a positive example for oneself is key before guiding others.

As one participant shared, “Be your own leader first, and then follow that example as you lead others.” This mindset empowers them to be strong role models, ready to inspire others in their schools and beyond.

Team-Building Activities: Working Together and Staying Positive

The camp was packed with activities focused on teamwork and communication. Through these exercises, our youth learned how to support each other, listen actively, and stay motivated even in challenging situations. They practised:

• Effective communication – understanding each other’s ideas and goals
• Motivating one another – lifting each other up when tasks got tough
• Strategic thinking – planning the best approach for each activity
• Active listening – paying attention to what each team member had to say

One group had an unforgettable moment when they finished last in a team race. They discovered the strength of sticking together and encouraging each other, even when tasks felt tough or took longer than expected. They learned to keep a positive mindset, stay focused on each step, and never give up—qualities that will benefit them in many areas of life. Despite being the last to finish, they celebrated together as a team, showing that true success lies in the journey and the bonds you build, not just the final result.

Be a Leader with Courage: Learning to Say “No”

One of the camp’s valuable lessons was understanding the courage to say “no.” For some, it was challenging because they wanted to be helpful or “nice.” But they learned that saying “no” can be just as important as saying “yes” when it comes to staying true to their values and protecting their own energy. One participant shared: “It’s been quite a journey, but I’m learning to say no when it’s needed. It really takes courage.”

Inspiring Stories from MOT’s History

The camp also shared stories from MOT’s history that illustrated the importance of giving others a chance and how MOT was started.

Our youth were moved by the story of our Founding Father, Atle Vårvik’s father, who invited a former prisoner into his home. This act showed courage and compassion and taught that everyone deserves a second chance. This story brought home the idea that leadership isn’t just about being in charge; it’s about uplifting others and showing kindness.

Thank You, Scatec!

We’re incredibly grateful to Scatec for funding this powerful program and helping make a lasting impact on young people from Eastern and Western Cape. We look forward to seeing our new Young MOTivators make a difference in their communities!

A Bright Future for Our Young MOTivators

We are incredibly proud of our new Young MOTivators! They leave the camp not only with new skills but with the mission to share what they’ve learned. We’re confident they will inspire others in their communities and continue to grow as the leaders of tomorrow.

As they head back into their communities, we know they’ll be putting these lessons to good use. Go out, Young MOTivators, and make a positive impact!

Read more about our Stakeholder Meeting that we held in Burgersdorp, Eastern Cape here:

MOT SA’s Stakeholder Meeting: Burgersdorp, Eastern Cape

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