YeBoneers from Swellendam and surrounding areas, supported by YearBeyond Implementing Partner, CAP, recently returned from the #GoBeyond25: Shape Your Future youth conference feeling inspired, empowered, and ready to take on the future.
Held from 10 to 13 July at the University of the Western Cape, the four-day national event brought together over 1,000 young people and partners from across the country to celebrate 10 years of the YearBeyond programme.
For YeBoneer, Chazwin October, the experience was both eye-opening and energising.
“My highlight of the YearBeyond Conference was attending the classes and receiving guidance from the speakers,” he said.
“They touched on values like growth mindset, problem-solving, and effective communication. I left with a new perspective on life and how to apply these skills in the workplace. The energy from my peers made the experience even better.”
Tameren Plaatjies found unexpected joy and confidence in a space she never imagined herself, on the dance floor.
“My dance class was my highlight, just the fact that I can’t dance, but there, I could be the best version of myself and express my emotions,” she said.
“I also really valued learning how to budget and hearing mentors’ stories about grit.”
One of those mentors was Justin Sauls, a YearBeyond alum now serving as a mentor on the programme, who shared his personal journey during the Perseverance Panel, reminding YeBoneers that determination, even in difficult times, leads to growth.
For these YeBoneers, #GoBeyond25 wasn’t just a celebration—it was a launchpad for personal development, meaningful change and finishing the year strong.
