photos by Markus Smith and Nora Grīnberga
The 2025 Schools Program celebrated its year in a combined Grade 10 and 11 graduation ceremony at Cape Town City Banqueting Hall. Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis was in attendance, together with parents, teachers and many CTII volunteers, and the venue was packed.
“As Mayor of our City, I am deeply proud of programs like this one, because they remind us of what we can be when we invest in the hearts and minds of young people and their ability to lead in their own individual contexts and spaces.”
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis
What was on display was a generation of young Capetonians well equipped to face the challenges of our times, including those of compassion, diversity, and justice. The confidence and conviction of the 70 learners was palpable; one highlight was the launch by the grade 11s of the Junior Peace Council, their own initiative that is an interfaith response to other initiatives such as the Junior City Council.
“Imagine a community where every young person feels seen, heard, and empowered to shape the future. That is the vision of the JPC – the Junior Peace Council.”
Grade 11’s announcing the JPC
The exposure to one another between 8 schools, a wide range of religious institutions, great cultural diversity and a range of economic challenges has laid a spiritual foundation for them in early adulthood. This adds to the interfaith traditions of Cape Town going back many years and serves as a witness to the unity possible in an increasingly fractured world.
Ubuntu teaches us the principle of co-agency that we are co-creators with nature. It reminds us that everything in this world is interdependent, held together in a beautiful, balanced biodiversity. But Ubuntu doesn’t stop at awareness it calls us to action
Chelsea Dia Mondo
The Grade 10’s joined the CTII Community Choir in a massed chorale with Da Pacem Cordium (Give Peace To Every Heart), and Hoerikwaggo, an ode to Table Mountain.
The meticulous planning by the organisers, and specifically Rev. Pippa Jones, meant a very successful showcasing of a busy and very constructive year for the CTII Schools Program.
We are hoping that as we grow in leadership, cohesion, and integrity that we can build on 15 years of experience. To do this, we need ongoing support from the graduates and their communities, as well as new members and associates. We have spiritual, social, organisational and financial needs and invite everyone to be involved in our unique, growing and exciting community.
Please imagine with us, ways in which you might contribute.
