At the YIIP Grade 10 Camp last year, the South African Faith Communities Environmental Institute (SAFCEI) held an afternoon workshop, introducing the learners to the wonderful and important work they are doing in Cape Town, South Africa and on the African continent. The SAFCEI facilitators were Afikile Ndude and Mishkah Moerat who are both inspiring ambassadors of this work and passionate about bringing it young people.
Nuhaa Petersen was one of the learners who attended that workshop and was so inspired by its content that she actively pursued an opportunity to learn more from SAFCEI and enable other Rylands learners to become environmental activists. Nuhaa is currently in her second year of CTII’s Youth Programme as a Grade 11 learner.
I am the President of the Rylands High School Youth Outreach Committee, better known as RHYCO. Our society currently consists of more than 80 dedicated members, and this is my second year serving as president. Although next year will be my matric year and my final year leading the society, RHYCO continues to grow stronger and more passionate about serving our community.
At RHYCO, we focus on learning about different initiatives, organisations, and challenges within our community while also finding ways to give back. Whether our contribution is big or small, every effort comes directly from our own pockets and from the willingness of our members to create meaningful change. We believe that even the smallest act of kindness can make a lasting impact.
Recently, I had the privilege of taking approximately 20 members of RHYCO on an educational visit to SAFCEI. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed warmly by Melanie Boltman and the rest of the staff. Their kindness and hospitality immediately made us feel comfortable and inspired. We were then taken into a meeting room where we learned about the incredible and impactful work that SAFCEI does.
During the visit, we discovered how SAFCEI actively fights against harmful environmental practices and policies that threaten the wellbeing of people, animals, agriculture, and the environment. One of the examples shared with us was how they played a role in opposing the construction of a nuclear power station due to concerns surrounding environmental and public safety. We also learned about the cruelty and dangers within certain factory farming systems, where chickens are kept in cages and injected with hormones and chemicals that may negatively affect both animals and human health. SAFCEI continues to advocate for ethical farming, environmental justice, safer agriculture, and the protection of communities from harmful chemicals and unsafe initiatives.
The visit opened our eyes to the importance of environmental activism and community responsibility. As young people, we often feel powerless when faced with global and national issues, but SAFCEI showed us that every voice matters and that change begins when ordinary people decide to stand up for what is right. Our group left feeling inspired, motivated, and determined to become more involved in protecting both people and the planet.
Moving forward, RHYCO hopes to work alongside SAFCEI and support campaigns and peaceful protests that fight for justice, environmental protection, and community wellbeing. At school, we would like to introduce several new initiatives that align with the values and goals of SAFCEI. These include creating a feeding scheme for underprivileged learners and families, organising community clean-up campaigns, starting recycling projects at school, planting vegetable and community gardens, reducing food waste, promoting safer and healthier eating habits, educating learners about environmental sustainability, collecting donations for struggling families, hosting awareness programmes about pollution and climate change, and encouraging learners to become active young leaders within their communities.
We also discussed how South Africa continues to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and inflation, which deeply affect many families and communities. These challenges were highlighted during one of the activities presented to us at SAFCEI. RHYCO believes that youth involvement is essential in helping to improve these conditions. By creating opportunities for volunteering, community support, skills development, and awareness, we hope to play a small but meaningful role in building a better future for our country.
As the youth, we understand that we are the future caretakers of this earth. RHYCO stands ready to work with South African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute to bring about positive change in our schools, communities, and country. We are determined to become future earth keepers who protect the environment, support those in need, and inspire others to stand together for a safer, healthier, and more equal South Africa.
