Earl Mentor celebrates 10 years of impact through youth peacebuilding workshop

In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Mentoring Peacebuilders South Africa (MPSA) hosted a PeaceJam SA workshop at the Princess Vlei Eco Centre in Retreat on Women’s Day, Saturday, August 9.

The event brought together 30 young adults, aged 18 to 35, for a weekend of mentorship, leadership training, and community building. Participants were identified through partnerships with local organisations and civic structures, and took part in interactive sessions on peacebuilding, life skills, and leadership development.

MPSA, based at Chrysalis Academy in Tokai, runs PeaceJam SA as one of its flagship projects. Founder Earl Mentor said the weekend was about “helping young people become the best versions of themselves” so they could “take what they learn here back into their communities — to become mentors, peacemakers, and to spark change from within.”

This year’s theme, Rise, Reflect and Reconnect, honoured the vision of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who helped launch the PeaceJam movement more than 20 years ago:

• Rise - empowering young adults and educators to face today’s challenges with courage, stepping into leadership with confidence and clarity.
• Reflect - honouring our history, learning from the struggles, and celebrating the victories that have brought us this far.
• Reconnect - strengthening the ties between communities, generations, and partners - reaffirming our shared commitment to peacebuilding. 

“This theme speaks directly to the heart of our mission and to the enduring legacy of Archbishop Tutu, whose vision helped launch this movement more than two decades ago.

"It is a call for our community - young and old, new faces and long-standing friends - to rise to the ongoing challenges of peacebuilding, to reflect on the lessons of our past, and to reconnect with each other and our shared purpose,” said Mr Mentor.

“As we mark 10 years of impactful work through Mentoring Peacebuilders SA and the PeaceJam program, we do so with both humility and hope. With continued support from our local sub-councils, educational institutions, and community partners, we are committed to nurturing the next wave of leaders - young South Africans who will carry forward the torch of justice, empathy, and unity for generations to come,” said Mr Mentor.

“Mentoring Peacebuilders SA calls on civic groups, ratepayers’ associations and sub-councils to support such efforts by helping to identify aspiring leaders and providing platforms for youth engagement,” said Mr Mentor.

Ward councillor Kevin Southgate, who also attended the event, commended Mr Mentor for this initiative. "The PeaceJam workshop, youth collaboratively identified challenges and proposed solutions - demonstrating that sustainable change grows when young people are empowered to take ownership, not just receive aid.

"Participants in breakout sessions shared personal obstacles and immediately offered practical solutions, embodying the proverb 'Be the change you want to see.'

"Earl and his team earned praise for igniting this proactive dialogue and fostering an environment where youth feel responsible for designing their future. The workshop emphasised empowerment over charity, demonstrating that sustainable programmes give young people not handouts, but hand‑ups," said Mr Southgate.

For more information or to get involved, email info@mentoringpeacebuilders.org or visit www.mentoringpeacebuilders.org