Sarah Oliver CTII Schools Programme

Grade 11 program session 2

Date: 8 May 2025

Time: 2:00 – 4:00 PM

Location: THI Offices

The second session of the Grade 11 program brought together faith, action, and dialogue under the theme Compassionate Service & Interfaith Solidarity. We were honoured to be joined online by three inspiring guest speakers from across the globe: Anum Mulla, Global Youth Strategist at the Charter for Compassion (India); Samira Baručija, Program Coordinator at United Religions Initiative (Bosnia and Herzegovina); and Kaluki Paul Mutuku, environmental scientist and activist (Kenya). Each brought powerful personal stories of navigating faith, activism, and ethical decision-making in their respective contexts.

This session also marked a special moment for the team as we welcomed Imaad Abrahams to the facilitation team. Imaad is an alumnus of the program and is currently completing his degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics at the University of Cape Town. We are fortunate to have Imaad join us — his lived experience in the program, deep commitment to his faith, and academic grounding bring a richness that will greatly support this year’s Grade 11 cohort.

Following the speaker panel, learners engaged in a short debrief, exploring what compassion and peacebuilding mean in practice. Students shared that peace “cannot be built alone,” and that compassion requires us to “see the humanity in others,” especially when working across difference. The conversation highlighted how faith and dialogue serve as anchors in this work — offering both guidance and a sense of belonging.

Although time only allowed for one scenario per group, learners participated in the Compassion Labyrinth — a gamified experience designed to explore ethical dilemmas through different societal roles. This activity prompted students to think critically about moral tensions, social responsibility, and the everyday choices that reflect (or challenge) compassion.

During the closing circle, learners reflected on the value of interfaith spaces and the shared struggles and hopes they saw mirrored in other communities. One student noted, “More compassion could help us solve the bigger problems,” while another remarked, “Compassion is not real until you do it.” These reflections captured the spirit of the day — a growing awareness that compassion is not only about helping others, but also about sustaining ourselves and making intentional choices, as young people, to serve with integrity and care.

Nic Paton CTII Schools Programme

Local Eyes, Global Hearts – Session 1, Schools Program Grade 11

Report by Babalwa Ngcongolo, Sarah Oliver, and Pippa Jones

The CTII launched its inaugural Grade 11 Schools Program at Turquoise Harmony Institute in Rondebosch, Cape Town. This adds to the Grade 10 Marlene Silbert Youth Interfaith and Intercultural project, which is already underway. Last years participants, now in Grade 11, are offered a unique space to further connect their personal experiences of identity, injustice, and belonging to global issues and movements.

Through interactive workshops, reflective dialogue, and creative problem-solving, the students begin to step into their power—not just as learners, but as changemakers. What makes this year stand out is how it weaves together personal reflection, spiritual values, and a commitment to action. Rooted in interfaith collaboration and ethical leadership, it invites young people to think deeply, feel fully, and act with purpose.

“It was so good to see everyone again—it brought back great memories, and I’m excited to create new ones this year.”

Many high schools in Cape Town are now offering tutoring programmes throughout the city, encouraging their learners to take part in a variety of projects that benefit their local communities. CTII’s Youth Programme remains connected with and committed to its long standing relationship with the Amy Foundation, who continue to provide weekly tutoring sessions to primary school learners in Bonteheuwel.

In conjunction with this, Babalwa Ngcongolo, Sarah Oliver, and Pippa Jones, drawing on their varied and broad experience of youth engagement and international work, have reimagined the Grade 11 Programme. It will now capitalize on their combined global connections, interfaith work, and experience in leadership training, equipping our learners with essential tools and knowledge for their future studies, careers and activism.

“I was surprised to learn how large and connected the interfaith movement is, and that people around the world are facing challenges similar to ours.”

Overview of the session

  • Reunion & Reflection: Learners returned with joy and anticipation, reconnecting through shared memories and setting intentions for the year ahead.
  • Memory Map Walk: Participants reflected on their Grade 10 journey, revisiting personal growth and their evolving sense of agency as changemakers.
  • Glocal (Global – Local) Bounce: A dynamic group challenge highlighted how local issues are part of broader global systems, emphasizing strategy, teamwork, and interconnectedness.
  • Local Eyes, Global Heart: Learners reflected on issues they care about, drawing connections between personal experiences and global justice through interfaith wisdom.
  • Circle of Trust Closing: The session ended with shared insights and gratitude, grounding the group in purpose and preparing them for the year.

“It’s been eye-opening to see how local issues are linked to global ones, and I’m thankful we have a space to explore and talk about these connections.”

Nic Paton Cape Town activities, CTII Schools Programme

Schools Program 3: Christianity

The 3rd session of the Schools program took place on Monday 14th April at Rondebosch United church. The focus was Christianity and the session was led by Rev. Robert Steiner, who donned an outsize pair of clown shoes for his presentation.

He invited learners, some of whom had not been in a church before, to interact. Their questions gradually started unfolding the more they felt at home.

Following this, Nic Paton and Victor Masondo shared music and life stories.

CTII board member Theo Mayekiso summarised the program thus:

  • The Challenges of Ministry: Robert, the host minister, shared a deeply reflective look at the challenges of being a spiritual leader, particularly the weighty responsibility of carrying Christ’s message while navigating real-world complexities.
  • Interfaith & Intercultural Understanding: CTII’s initiative showcased the importance of exposing young minds to different faiths and cultures. The event encouraged open dialogue and mutual respect, fostering a more inclusive society.
  • The Power of Friendship & Music: Nic and Victor’s 40-year friendship across racial lines in South Africa is a testament to how deep human connections transcend historical divisions. Their jazz performance beautifully illustrated the harmony possible when people from different backgrounds come together.
  • Call to Action for Support: Whether through participation, volunteering, or amplifying the message, this event underscores the need for continued engagement in interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

Golden Mwuara : “We really would like to appreciate these talented people for gracing us with their amazing work and melodious voices. This session really highlighted the power of god and valuing of others and friendship.”

Song “Da Pacem Cordium” led by Victor, Ann and Nic

We ended the session by teaching the Christian canon (round) “Da Pacem Cordium” which translates as “Give Peace to every heart”. It has further verses, “Shalom lalevot”, and “Salaam al qaloob” in Hebrew and Arabic. The learners learned quickly as the video above shows.

Ana : “The learners had so many questions for Robert. I found Robert’s discussion to be inspiring and exciting specifically with regard to the progressive nature of his church and its members. The joyous and affectionate friendship between Nic and Victor was beautiful to behold!”

Congratulations once again to Pippa Jones, assisted by Ana, Golden, the teachers and many others, for another successful meeting of our schools interfaith/intercultural program.