Monday 19th May was the Youth Programme’s fifth session for the Grade 10s. We were warmly welcomed by the custodian of the Obs Mowbray Shul, Marc Turok, who brought the space alive to the learners, sharing stories of the local Orthodox community and of the Shul itself, which has been in existence since 1927.
Marc’s passion and devotion were palpable and contagious. He masterfully drew a personal and complex picture of the many facets of Jewish tradition and worship. For several of the 40 learners who come from such diverse religions, traditions and backgrounds, this was their first time of being inside a Jewish holy space. And the questions kept coming! They were eager to know more about the symbols, the Hebrew writing, the rituals, and the tenets of Judaism.
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.
“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.
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.
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.”
