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Reshaping His Neighborhood |
By Kyle Taylor
Story from Positive News UK
SOUTH AFRICA - Recently graduated and living in Orange Farm Township in Johannesburg, Zaks found himself unable to get a permanent job. He decided to use an artistic outlet to express his frustration. Through Township Glory, he was able to raise up an entire community of young people, launching a leadership movement that is now reshaping the Township.
Focusing his message on the idea that change needs more than just one or two leading voices, Zaks taught each of his team members to use their skills in art, song, dance and the spoken word. Their performances communicate all the issues that are important to them within South African society. Whether slam poetry or theatre, every young person involved plays a role.
Their street shows draw in hundreds of people who come to watch, listen and learn about the problems young people face. The aim is to bridge the information gap, while simultaneously empowering an entire generation of young people.
Zaks plans to take the project further. "I don't want to be the only role model," he said. "I want everyone to be role models for each other, so I've started a programme to get teenagers trained to help the younger kids. It's going well."
In a makeshift church that doubled up as his meeting room, Zaks spoke to his members: "We're in this room because we're starting a movement," he began. "We're tired of the way things are. We want poverty and unemployment out of Orange Farm and we're going to do it. This is a leadership movement and you're all at the front of it."
The room went wild!
Focusing his message on the idea that change needs more than just one or two leading voices, Zaks taught each of his team members to use their skills in art, song, dance and the spoken word. Their performances communicate all the issues that are important to them within South African society. Whether slam poetry or theatre, every young person involved plays a role.
Their street shows draw in hundreds of people who come to watch, listen and learn about the problems young people face. The aim is to bridge the information gap, while simultaneously empowering an entire generation of young people.
Zaks plans to take the project further. "I don't want to be the only role model," he said. "I want everyone to be role models for each other, so I've started a programme to get teenagers trained to help the younger kids. It's going well."
In a makeshift church that doubled up as his meeting room, Zaks spoke to his members: "We're in this room because we're starting a movement," he began. "We're tired of the way things are. We want poverty and unemployment out of Orange Farm and we're going to do it. This is a leadership movement and you're all at the front of it."
The room went wild!
Story from Positive News UK
