“This is the sum of duty. Do not unto others that which would cause you pain if done to you” (Mahabharata 5, 1517 – 15th century BC)
In an exceptionally busy time for the CTII Schools Program, a day after the half day camp, we visited Siva Aalayam Hindu temple (சிவ ஆலயம்) in Rylands, Cape Town.
Continue reading “Schools visit Siva Aalayam Hindu temple”
On a beautiful warm and sunny autumnal afternoon, our Grade 10 learners gathered together today on Springfield Convent campus for their half-day camp. This is an essential part of our Schools Programme – a chance for the learners to be out of their uniforms and to feel unhurried. It is in these moments that bonds and new friendships are made.
Continue reading “Grade 10 Half Day Camp 2025”
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
“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.”
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:
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.”
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.
Monday 17th March saw the second meeting of the CTII schools project, at Erin Hall in Rondebosch.
We featured a number of “stalwarts of struggle” from South Africa’s past, including Mary Burton (Black Sash), Horst Kleinschmidt (Christian Institute, International Defense and Aid Fund), as well as the CTII’s own Mary Frost, Geordie Ratcliffe (director of Sustainability Matters), and Benjy de Kock, UCT Mandela-Rhodes Scholar. Most belong to Masibuyisane, a civil society group discussing and acting on current societal issues.
Sensitively led by Pippa Jones and Laurie Gaum, some 48 learners from 8 schools across the metro had time to interact with these elders in activism, and submit interesting questions to them around creating a life worth living, especially in the South Africa with so much still undone and where so many issues are still causing suffering.
While religion was not overtly central to the discussion at this event, the multi-faith learners were treated to an expansive view of the lives of people who responded to their consciences in a dark time and stuck with their convictions despite exile and imprisonment, for decades thereafter.
Savannah du Plessis, an invited observer, said “Enriching; I loved the way the students sparkled! To be in the presence of people who were and are absolute radicals was extremely inspiring and motivating.”
The Black Sash Legacy: Mary Burtons work
Being a Neighbour: Equity and Justice – Horst Kleinschmidt
Parliament of World Religions 5 min Intro
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission: what you need to know
