50 years of service: Jaycees Alumni KZN empowers youth at ABH

AS THEY celebrate their 50th anniversary as South Africa's first 'non-white' chapter of the international Jaycees movement, the Jaycees Alumni KZN returns to their roots with a transformative leadership development youth camp at the Aryan Benevolent Home in Chatsworth. In a bid to leave behind a legacy, this partnership is nurturing confidence, skills, and self-belief in the next generation of leaders.

To commemorate this milestone, members of the newly constituted alumni decided that a celebration alone would not suffice.

They decided to embark on a program of leadership development for the youth.

“From our earliest days, we produced leaders from nothing,” says Gona Nambiar, secretary of the Jaycees Alumni KZN.

“Even during difficult times, we bridged the gap between tertiary education and the outside world. That kind of training is needed now more than ever,” he said.

Nambiar said the legacy of stalwarts such as the late Ramu Naidu, who developed a leadership training manual in 1976, continued to guide their work.

That program won regional, national, and even international acclaim, he said.

“We had to adapt from a regimented, discipline-based program to one that was fun, engaging, and responsive to today’s challenges,” Nambiar explained.

“But the principles remain the same - self-belief, communication, responsibility, and respect,” he added.

The alumni hosted this initiative at the Aryan Benevolent Home (ABH) in Chatsworth.

The Jaycees’ relationship with ABH dates back to the 1970s, when they raised funds for a freezer at what was then a small orphanage. They later sponsored a 10-day camp for 56 children - an experience which shaped many lives, said Nambiar.

“We have always had a bond with ABH. So, when the opportunity came to work together again, it felt like it was meant to be.”

The leadership development youth camp was held earlier this month and ran over two weekends. Activities ranged from impromptu speaking and team-building to horticulture projects under the theme “Learning with fun.”

Children were encouraged to step into leadership roles, try new skills, and believe in themselves. For ABH, the partnership was a natural fit.

“When the Jaycees Alumni approached us, our first reaction was one of excitement and gratitude,” recalled Bradley Appanah, the ABH marketing and public relations officer.

“They share our values and are committed to empowering the next generation of leaders,” he said.

Caregivers and staff noticed a remarkable improvement in confidence, teamwork, and communication, he added.

Appanah said children who were initially shy became more assertive; others discovered hidden talents.

“A young girl created beautiful pieces of art that amazed everyone. Her confidence soared as she shared her work. It was a joy to see,” he added.

He said another moment that stood out came was horticulture activity.

“Over two weeks, the children watched their plants grow.  That transformation had a profound impact. It gave them a sense of wonder and showed them the value of care, patience, and responsibility.”