Youth @ SAIIA refers to all youth development and programming at the South African Institute of International Affairs. SAIIA's youth initiatives align with our mission, emphasizing a broader goal of fostering awareness on international affairs, programmes that stimulate public debate amongst young people, as well as providing skills development that cultivates future leaders and researchers.
Many South African schools face enormous challenges, and SAIIA's schools programmes seek to go beyond single day events. By providing resources and tutoring, learners walk away with relevant skills that ultimately leave them with a deeper ability to engage with and understand issues affecting South Africa, the African continent, and the world as a whole. Topics cut across subject disciplines, often directly linking to subject Learning Outcomes and Assessment Standards found in the National Curriculum Statement for South African schools.
Environmental Sustainability Project
Originally started as a pilot project in 2009, the Environmental Sustainability Schools Programme, now known as the Environmental Sustainability Project (ESP) is Youth @ SAIIA's newest youth outreach project that combines our longstanding commitment to public education on matters of international affairs with our desire to raise awareness of the current environmental sustainability debate among young South Africans.
Model United Nations
Since 1994, SAIIA has been running a Model United Nations (MUN) programme, with over 50 schools participating in our annual conference held at SAIIA headquarters in Johannesburg. Since 2001 SAIIA's Model United Nations programme has partnered with Global Classrooms, an initiative of the United Nations Association of the USA.
Schools Quiz
Interschool quizzes currently take place in the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Questions are focused both on internationally related events, and current issues facing South Africa. Learners prepare for the quiz by reading about local and international current events in donated newspapers.
Student Volunteer Programme
Throughout the year Youth @ SAIIA works with an enthusiastic group of student volunteers from various South African universities. Working with the Youth Development Officer, these volunteers assist learners with research and public speaking skills in preparation for the various Youth @ SAIIA projects, conferences and programme events. Through tutoring sessions and workshops, these volunteers impart their knowledge and gain valuable new skills through helping high school learners on various topics.
Resources
Coming soon.
Events
Coming soon.
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