Name:  Gregory Elsud Rooi

Province:  Springbok, Northern Cape

Facebook:  KCC Greg

Write a short blurb (summary) about yourself. In no more than three sentences.

 Greg is a 2013 Activator from the Northern Cape in Springbok who has a passion for community development and the development of  women & children. He is involved in his community through organising different programmes that gather school going kids together for recreational purposes.

Why did you decide to be part of the ACTIVATE! Network?

 I joined the network because it was a bit different from the few programmes I had seen or engaged in before and it was an opportunity for to rub shoulders with other young people and to learn from them to make a change in my community.

What did you enjoy the most about training?

I enjoyed the honesty of the discussion, how everyone is a family and how the programme is designed.

I particularly enjoyed the “My past collage” and articulation sessions as they linked directly to socio-political navigation.

How has training helped you or changed your perspective?

It has allowed me to be more open minded and enlighted as to what is going on in the world and how I, as a young person, can contribute positively in making local government work.

What do you think the role of the youth is in developing the country?

The youth needs to be trained so that they can amplify their skills and groomed to be effective leaders. Youth also needs mentors that we can look up to for motivation and inspiration, that way we can contribute much more positively to the economy and country.

What is your field of interest?

Youth development through sports, arts, culture and recreation for the youth,women and children.

How are you driving change in your community?

Through organising events for children to attend. Recently we hosted an event which saw about 50 children of school going age gathered in one space to play sports and have fun. The reason I did this is because whenever children are on school holidays they run to town and beg for money because there are no extra-curricula activities that they can engage in during holidays. This event was welcomed by the community and as such, we will have a follow-up event on the 13 May 2018.

Now that you have completed training, how do you plan to keep active in the network?

Social media is the best way to communicate with other Activators that are not in my province or place of residence. I am in the different WhatsApp and Facebook groups which always post events and opportunities for young people. Through those platforms I am able to collaborate with others and receive assistance.

What are your plans for this year?

 To organise more events and programmes that speak to arts and recreation in my community that will cater for children and women.

Is social media an effective way by which you can receive communication from us?

Yes. Social media is the best way of communicating because, it is very effective (cost wise) and you can access the information very quickly.

Additional information you would like us to know?

 I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the ACTIVATE! network and the community from which I come. My passion for youth development, sport and recreation  is starting to yield ripple effects in my community. I believe that youth can indeed make local government work.