On July 15, 2008, 180 young people gathered at the Bothashoek Church of the Nazarene in Burgersfort, South Africa, to celebrate Youth Day. The event was attended by young people from the North-Central District and the surrounding community. The theme of the day was “Making Healthy Choices,” with an emphasis on HIV/AIDS and education. Throughout the day, the slogan “We Choose Life” was continually sung by the young people.

Fun, music, dance, and speeches followed the street march. The speakers included Ms. Tshepo Maduane, representing the municipality youth council; Mr. Mokgotho, a local teacher representing the Department of Education; and Mrs. Josephine Kupa, a pastor highly regarded by youth as one who abstained till marriage. The main address was given by Dr. Udoewa, an expert on HIV/AIDS. The five points he left with the young people were:

• Make healthy choices
• Know your HIV/AIDS status
• Be educated
• Explore your potential
• Your decisions affect others

The young crowd left filled with excitement and enthusiasm, and all went out to make their stand known and their voices heard. One of the police overseeing the event commented: “I have not seen young people so passionate about what they believe.”

Used by permission of NCM Magazine. This article appeared in the Spring, 2009 edition.