"The programme had a remarkable impact on my life and fellow participants. It has really changed my perception on the circumstances we all face in life and it has proven that even if you are behind bars there are still opportunities for people like us who have offended the society. For example if I had not been arrested, I would not have had the time to enrol for this magnificent programme. It gave me a chance to rebuild my self- esteem and helped me to accept the things that I cannot change and to change the things that I can. I did not know who I was or what mypurpose in life was, but ever since I joined the presidential awards a lot has changed and I never thought something like this could humble someone as arrogant and selfish as I was."
"It has been a wonderful experience to rediscover and reinvent myself to become a better person, not only as an individual but also as being part of the human race."
Julio is one of 69 young people from five correctional centres in Gauteng who will be receiving their Bronze and Silver Awards for The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment Programme at the ceremony at Leeuwkop on Wednesday, 22 April.
These Award recipients will receive a badge, as well as a certificate signed by President Jacob Zuma, who is Patron-in-Chief, and Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, who is founder of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. They will be receiving the signed certificates from Zach Modise: DCS acting national commissioner and Lara Kruiskamp, CEO of The President’s Award.
These inspiring young people will have committed themselves over the last year, to their own holistic development in the following areas of activity: service to the community, physical recreation, skills development as well as an adventurous journey. The young people are all from correctional centres and the Programme offers them an opportunity to lead a life of purpose.
It enables them to discover themselves and grow, teaching them elements of perseverance, self- reliance, responsibility and selflessness. The young people who will receive their Awards are part of a national Award family of 16 000 active participants across South Africa. They will have really worked hard at making a difference to their own lives as well as those around them and they will be acknowledged for the attempts on their part to transform themselves into worthwhile citizens of this province and this country.
The Award Programme was first introduced within the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) in 1994 in the Eastern Cape. It has since been implemented in more than 70 correctional centres nationally and there are approximately 1500 inmates working towards obtaining their Award this year.
The Award Programme fits perfectly within the DCS objective of working with society in rehabilitating offenders. The partnership between The President’s Award and DCS has resulted in the successful rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders back into society as active, responsible citizens.
For more information, visit the President's Award website or connect with them on Facebook.