Nora Grīnberga, as visitor to the CTII community from Latvia, reflects on the CTII Schools visit to the Tibetan Buddhist Centre.
This afternoon, the wind had picked up and seemed to be calling in rain, as learning voices carried me into the Tibetan Buddhism Centre, Kenilworth, Cape Town, filling the garden with conversations and laughter.
Continue reading “Schools Gr 10 – Buddhism”
This year, the Cape Town Interfaith Initiative’s Grade 11 Youth Interfaith Intercultural Program has been guided by the theme “Local Heart, Global Eyes.” Throughout the year, students have explored compassion as an anchor for Ubuntu-centred interfaith activism for peace and justice.
The Grade 11 program visited St Georges Cathedral on Thursday 14th August. St Georges is a site of sacred struggle, from which much activism against Apartheid sprang, especially under the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
The program has evolved into a leadership journey, helping participants recognise the broader interfaith community and its connection to global movements for peace. Through reflection, dialogue, and action, students have been encouraged to see themselves not only as active contributors within their local communities but also as part of a wider network working toward collective global impact.
The timing of the most recent session coincided with the close of the G20 Interfaith Forum IF20, providing a unique opportunity for students to engage with global perspectives. The program featured two special guests: Grace Chilongo, a climate change activist from Malawi and G20 participant, and Ambassador Mussie Hailu, Africa Director for URI and Special Representative to the UN and AU. Both highlighted the global network of young interfaith leaders and the impact of faith-based collaboration on international agendas for peace and justice.
As part of the experience, students visited St George’s Cathedral, where Laurie Guam led a tour that brought the space’s rich history and significance to life. Following the tour, students engaged deeply with The Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by Karen Armstrong, interpreting the text through discussions, reflections, and creative exercises. This activity encouraged participants to consider how principles of compassion can be applied in tangible ways, both locally and globally.
The session offered a powerful demonstration of the energy, insight, and commitment of young people to peacebuilding. Through dialogue, reflection, and experiential learning, the students showcased the imagination and courage that are essential for building compassionate, inclusive communities.
On Monday the 11th of August, the CTII Schools visited the Darus Salaam Masjied in Mitchells Plain. They were hosted by Imam Kashief and Imam Abrahams.
Pippa Jones was out of town, and between the teachers, local imams and our youth leadership the event went very well.
Continue reading “Schools Program 8 (Gr 10) – Islam”
On Monday, July 28th, CTII’s School’s Program began by meeting at the Slave Lodge, one of the oldest standing buildings in Cape Town. Students had the opportunity to tour the museum with guided question sheets to encourage reflection. As we walked around, I heard students relating to the content through the lens of their own experiences and education around slavery. It was encouraging to see students thoughtfully engaging with the content, asking profound questions, and attempting to locate the legacy of slavery in their contemporary context.
Continue reading “Schools visit Slave Lodge and Groote Kerk”
On Monday 23rd June, our Youth Interfaith Intercultural Program offered an inaugural session to the Grade 10 learners titled “Indigeneity and Identity” – an extension of the deep and essential conversations we had during last year’s Camp.
Continue reading “Schools Program: Indigeneity and Identity”