Growth-Link Partners with Gold Fields to Empower Youth through Life Skills Programme

Gold Fields, a valued client of Growth-Link, driven by a deep passion for community upliftment, particularly youth development, partnered with Growth-Link to launch a transformative life skills initiative. This programme, aimed at Grade 10 and 11 learners from various schools in the Westonaria area, seeks to empower 44 promising young individuals with essential life skills. Through engaging facilitators, dynamic activities, and the enthusiastic participation of learners, the initiative has become a beacon of hope, equipping students to face life’s challenges with confidence and resilience.

A Vision for Empowerment

The Growth-Link facilitation team—comprising Thabo Mogotsi, Dr. Desia Sisana, Thand’okuhle Nkonyane, and Omphile Sisana—designed a five-day programme that provided learners with valuable life lessons. According to Mogotsi, the primary goal of the initiative was to equip students with practical tools to navigate life's challenges. "It’s all about life skills," Mogotsi explained. "We are showing them how life is and how to approach it. From overcoming obstacles to learning effective communication, this programme is about preparing them for the real world."

The programme began with a module aptly titled Moving Mountains focussing on teaching students the importance of diversity and working together. It helps students understand that everyone is different, and that's what makes our world special. Through fun activities and discussions, the module shows how we can appreciate each other's unique qualities, learn from each other, and work as a team to solve problems. By celebrating these differences, students can create a more caring and inclusive school environment.

Learners were introduced to strategies for tackling life’s hurdles. "The students loved it," Mogotsi remarked. "It’s amazing how much we as facilitators learn from these young ones. They are open, engaged, and eager to grow."

Engagement and Participation: Learners Stepping Up

Growth-Link facilitator Thand’okuhle Nkonyane reflected on how learners engaged with the programme. “Some were initially hesitant to participate in class discussions, while others jumped in enthusiastically," she said. "However, we noticed that certain hands-on activities sparked more engagement. For instance, during the ‘traffic jam’ activity, even the shyest students found themselves stepping up to lead the game.”

Nkonyane emphasised the importance of creating a safe space where all students felt comfortable to participate. "By the end of the week, even the most reserved learners were contributing their ideas and stepping into leadership roles," she added, noting the power of encouragement in helping students find their voices.

Emotional Responses: Exploring Stress and Solutions

The programme didn’t shy away from difficult topics, such as managing stress. Nkonyane pointed out the emotional depth of the learners' responses. "Two groups stood out during these sessions—one performed a short play about a mother and her troubled son, while another created a podcast on how to approach stressful situations and deal with them," she shared.

Nkonyane also observed the transformation of more reserved learners. "The shy and soft-spoken students realised that they needed to be heard and seen during presentations. It was incredible to see them step up and take ownership of their presence," she added.

Transformative Learning Moments and Behavioural Changes

Throughout the week, Nkonyane and the other facilitators witnessed many transformative moments. "One of the most significant shifts occurred when learners who were used to taking charge realised that leading doesn’t always mean knowing everything," Nkonyane said. “They began to understand their strengths and learned how to rely on their peers when necessary."

Learners also started using more inclusive language and worked to involve classmates who had previously been left out. "The students began to understand how a team works and learned to embrace everyone’s contributions. This shift in group dynamics was one of the most rewarding aspects of the programme," Nkonyane remarked.

Experiential Learning Through Activities

For facilitator Desia Sisana, the physical, emotional, and interactive nature of the adventure-based activities played a crucial role in the students’ learning. "We engage them in activities outside the classroom—not just games for fun, but ones that teach life skills such as communication, empathy, and problem-solving," Sisana explained.

According to her, these activities ensure that the lessons stay with the learners long after the programme concludes. “They are not just gaining knowledge—they are learning how to apply it in real life,” she noted.

Learners' Reflections: A Transformational Experience

Learner Lisa Inkhanya, one of the participants, shared her own transformational experience. “This programme has changed my perspective on how I operate in my daily life,” she admitted. "I used to think the way I handled things was fine, but after attending these sessions, I realised there’s so much more to learn. It’s humbling."

For Lisa, the most impactful part of the experience was hearing the diverse perspectives shared by her peers and facilitators. “Interacting with different people and hearing their views on life was refreshing and empowering,” she said. Lisa also expressed her admiration for the facilitators and recalled a powerful quote: "The most hurtful thing a person can do is think they know it all." This insight has prompted her to approach life with more humility and a commitment to continuous learning.

Building Future Leaders: A Shared Vision for Growth

At the heart of the initiative lies the belief that today’s youth are tomorrow’s leaders. Growth-Link facilitator Sisana was confident that the programme had a lasting impact on the students. "We believe we’ve helped create young people who are energised and ready to take on the world," she said.

Learners acquired more than academic skills - they built resilience, learned the importance of accountability, and developed a sense of empowerment. "The students have become more willing to ask for help, communicate openly, and take control of their futures," Nkonyane added, affirming the positive behavioural changes seen throughout the programme.

Personal Growth as a Facilitator

Nkonyane also reflected on her personal growth as a facilitator. "My biggest takeaway was realising that each learner was chosen for a reason, and they proved that throughout the week," she said. "They are hungry to learn new things, and with the right guidance, I believe they will grow into successful individuals."

Nkonyane expressed her pride in the learners’ development, emphasiing that with a nudge in the right direction, they have the potential to achieve great things.

A Model for Success

The partnership between Gold Fields and Growth-Link has been a resounding success; not only in the enthusiasm of the learners but also in the personal growth experienced by the facilitators. Mogotsi and Sisana both agreed that they had learned as much from the students as the students had learned from them. "The energy, determination, and willingness to learn among these young people is inspiring," Mogotsi said.

In conclusion, the Growth-Link and Gold Fields initiative stands as a powerful testament to the impact that well-structured life skills programmes can have on youth. Through hands-on learning, personal reflection, and mutual growth, this programme is preparing South Africa’s next generation to lead with empathy, resilience, and purpose.