The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation as 24 young people eagerly waited for the proceedings to begin at their graduation award ceremony. These young people were participants in the Christian Youth Development & Empowerment Program (CYDEP), a program owned and sponsored by the Hippo Mundo Charity (HMC) for young members of Brunstad Christian Church (BCC) fellowships throughout Africa. The intake of participants in 2024 included members from The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
The CYDEP program was significantly enhanced in 2024 when a memorandum of understanding was reached with the University of Technology (VUT) and its partners (HMC, BCCSA and Upriver Developments). VUT committed to developing theoretical components to the program in the form of the Small Business Management & Community Short Learning Program (SBMCDP). It was felt that this would add value to the practical training the participants were receiving through Upriver Developments and BCCSA and enhance their ability to start their own businesses when returning to their home countries.
The graduation ceremony held on October 17, 2024, was attended by approximately 120 people, including dignitaries from VUT and representatives from the program partners. It celebrated the hard work and achievements of the participants who were awarded certificates in recognition of the successful completion of the program.
The proceedings began with a prayer, followed by the South African National Anthem and a short video was shown about the CYDEP. After his opening address welcoming all present, the Program Director, Mr Vido Kungaune, Director of Internationalisation at VUT, introduced the speakers from the various program partners as they addressed the audience.
Professor Chengedzai Mafini, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences, gave an overview of the course material and heartily thanked all the departments and individuals who were involved in developing the courses; the lecturers for their enthusiasm and empathy, and for the untold hours of work put in by so many to make the program a success.
Dr Speech Nelana, VUT’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Community Engagement, pledged his continued support for the program and encouraged the graduates to make a difference in their own countries with their newly acquired skills.
David Nooitgedagt, the chairman of the Dutch HMC Foundation was called upon to address the audience. He gave a brief background of the foundation and its aims in Africa through the CYDEP. He said that it is a Christian life skills improvement program to empower young Christians in Africa to become independent, mature individuals who can support themselves and contribute positively to their local communities. He added that on completion of the program, graduates should be equipped to make informed decisions; solve problems through critical and creative thinking; communicate effectively and build healthy relationships. He emphasised the importance of having empathy for others, as Jesus had for humanity – Jesus being the ultimate example and teacher. He acknowledged VUT and all the program partners, saying without all the entities in this strong chain of partners, nothing could be achieved.
The most inspiring and encouraging speeches made at the ceremony were from two of the graduates, Brian Ambogo and Joy Ekeocha Chibuzor. They expressed their deep gratitude to everyone involved in the VUT program as well as the CYDEP. Both encouraged their follow graduates to use what they learned not only to benefit themselves but uplift those around them in their families, local fellowships and communities. They highly recommended other young members of BCC fellowships in Africa to participate in the CYDEP, saying it was life changing. They spoke of how the Bible studies and church activities enriched them spiritually and assisted with problem solving, through applying the Christian principles in their daily lives. They also learned about mutual respect, empathy and how to work together and overcome cultural differences. Most importantly a common bond had developed among them in their desire to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.
Dr Tielman Slabbert, the spiritual leader of BCCSA began his speech by expressing his deep respect for the whole team of people who are involved in the CYDEP & the SBMCDP programs, including the graduates. He thanked everyone for the personal sacrifices they made to ensure the success of the program and said he experienced that everyone involved had the best interests of students at heart. Singling out Professor Chengedzai Mafini, who supported the program enthusiastically from the beginning – Slabbert said that the professor went beyond his call of duty and ensured that any obstacles were speedily dealt with so that implementation of the program was not delayed. He spoke of huge challenges that had to be overcome behind the scenes and in conclusion congratulated all the graduates and encouraged them to take home not only the practical skills, but also the examples of people they have seen and experienced who live for Jesus and are not self-seeking, but serve others.
The program was interspersed with songs from the BCC Africa Choir and concluded with an encouraging and positive message from Professor Gauda Maseko, who emphasised the importance of extending the program beyond its initial five-year period. He said it would assist in addressing the challenges of unemployment and poverty in Africa. Maseko also acknowledged the leadership of Professor Mafini and Dr Tielman Slabbert, who helped to initiate the program.
