Valued Citizens Initiative

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Valued Citizens Initiative As a multidisciplinary team, we walk a journey with young people and provide essential Soft Skills & Social Justice programmes to develop Valued Citizens!

Established in 2001, Valued Citizens Initiative is a South African Non-Profit Organisation that aims to connect, inspire and empower learners, educators, school management teams, parents and social work professionals to become Valued Citizens contributing towards the South African economy. Valued Citizens Initiative facilitates critical soft skills programmes in the Free State, Limpopo, Gauteng, North West, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces that promote citizenship education, leadership skills, and self-development. These programmes are coordinated by a multidisciplinary professional team that enhances the ecosystem of a child through accredited professional development courses and the enhancement of parenting skills to strengthen families. Furthermore, we develop accountable young leaders and Valued Citizens to support our democracy and increase youth employability.

ISIQALO CAMP: LEARNING BY EXPERIENCING, LEADING GROUP WORK WITH PURPOSE!Yesterday, the iSiqalo Camp brought together 77 ...
14/10/2026

ISIQALO CAMP: LEARNING BY EXPERIENCING, LEADING GROUP WORK WITH PURPOSE!

Yesterday, the iSiqalo Camp brought together 77 Social Work Practitioners from Gauteng, made possible by the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s investment in professional development to prevent Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Through practical, reflective exercises, practitioners experienced firsthand how creating a sense of safety is essential, not only in society, but also when facilitating group work. Through role-plays, they explored the values needed to facilitate impactful GBV prevention programmes: confidentiality, empathy, non-judgemental attitude, openness to different perspectives, teamwork, and awareness of personal triggers.

The experience highlighted the importance of meeting participants where they are and guiding them from the familiar towards new understanding, while creating safe spaces for meaningful dialogue and change.

Because preventing GBV begins with how we listen, how we engage, and how we create spaces where everyone feels safe to speak and be heard.

Department of Social Development
France in South Africa, Lesotho and Malawi
The Centre for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation
Gender Links South Africa

When young people are given the space to dream, reflect, imagine and express their hopes from words to visual art, their...
10/10/2026

When young people are given the space to dream, reflect, imagine and express their hopes from words to visual art, their ideas take shape, and their visions inspire change!

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the mountains surrounding the Basotho Cultural Village, Grade 11 Valued Citizens learners from our rural schools, Mampoi High School, Nkhobiso High School and Mookodi High School Qwaqwa learned about perspectives, how to use colours to create their background and express their ideas rooted in values, creativity and a problem-solving approach.

Concious about how an healthy environment enhances a healthy outlook on life, they drew and painted, guided by Jonathan Stone and Charles Mamorobela. From education and equal opportunities to commitment, discipline, teamwork, empathy and environmental sustainability, each artwork tells a story.
Mamela... Sondela...Kopana!

Thanks to the Free state department of education represented by Ms. PY Tsotetsi, Department Of Basic Education SA, DOJ & CD Regional Office
Our Platinum Partner Secours Populaire Indre-et-Loire and Secours populaire

WHEN DIALOGUE BECOMES ACTION!On 18 September 2026, Valued Citizens learners from Mampoi High School committed to answer...
28/09/2026

WHEN DIALOGUE BECOMES ACTION!
On 18 September 2026, Valued Citizens learners from Mampoi High School committed to answer to the need for school shoes and uniform from fellow learners to walk their academic journey with dignity while setting their goals towards their career aspirations. Through their own initiative, they mobilised 21 pairs of school shoes, 8 school shirts, 5 skirts and 3 trousers for learners in need, working collectively to fundraise to make a difference.

They further organised a Career Day, opening pathways to possibility, with Ms. Ramoea from the University of the Free State and Mr. Tankiso, a social worker, sharing knowledge and insights from their fields.
Then, a Valued Citizen alumna Mbali Marole , a Bridging for Life participant from 2016–2017 from Mookodi High School Qwaqwa inspired learners to commit to their life goals. Now pursuing a PhD after completing a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Physics, Mbali reflected on how resilience, hard work and budgeting skills developed as a young Valued Citizen continue to shape her journey.
Her message to the learners was: "Prepare for your future, believe in yourself, and remember that today's challenges are not the measure of tomorrow's possibilities".

Through experiential learning, young people move beyond the classroom, they lead with determination and leave a legacy as Generation Builders!

Thanks to:
Free state department of education
University of the Free State
Department Of Basic Education SA
Secours populaire
Secours Populaire Indre-et-Loire




International Democracy Day... Democracy is your voice. Your dignity. Your right to be heard.As young South Africans, we...
15/09/2026

International Democracy Day... Democracy is your voice. Your dignity. Your right to be heard.

As young South Africans, we need to appreciate how our history unfolded for us to inherit our democracy. It belongs to you, to me, to us! Every time you question injustice, stand against discrimination, speak out about violence, participate in your community demanding accountability, you are participating in democracy!
The realities reflected in today’s news from violence against women and children to concerns about safety, inequality and accountability remind us that the rights promised by our Constitution must be lived in everyday life. Your safety, dignity and freedom matter from Qwa Qwa to KwaDukuza, from Soweto to Giyani and every site where you and me travel.

South Africa’s democracy needs platforms to engage different generations on our societal challenges like the Sondela Open Dialogue programme and the young Mayorial Forum in Saldanha Bay Municipality. It needs us to stop normalising what we hear every day about violent crimes and corruption and question why we will turn a blind eye or remain quiet on what matters, and finally understand the power of unity like at Udumo Secondary school. The power of courageously challenge the status-quo and recognise our own responsibility as Valued Citizens.

Democracy is not something we simply inherit, it is a something we must protect, practice and strengthen.
Be Bold, Be Us, Be You!

Department Of Basic Education SA
Department of Social Development
EU in South Africa
Democracy Works Foundation
Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG)
Department of Justice & Constitutional Development, Pretoria

As Valued Citizens Initiative commemorates 25 years, we are delighted to share with you our story! In 1997, while workin...
14/09/2026

As Valued Citizens Initiative commemorates 25 years, we are delighted to share with you our story!

In 1997, while working for the French Organising Committe of the Soccer World Cup in Bordeaux, Carole Podetti embarked on a 21-day trip alone through South Africa, covering 5,400 kilometers and experiencing the profound warmth of its hospitality. South Africans graciously invited her into their homes for meals, ranging from a curry in Bosmont, a soup with Anton and his family in the Karoo to a Christmas lunch in Cape Town. This journey allowed her to understand the history of South Africa, its dehumanising principles and systemic racial legislation during the Apartheid era and how a collective trauma haunted many souls. This immersive experience fostered a deep appreciation for the nation.

In September 1998, in France, her Manager Mr. Gachet gave her the South African flag and said I know you will go back to South Africa to prepare another World Cup. Determined, she arrived in Johannesburg in February 1999, and worked for the Bid Committee 2006... Sout Africa lost the bid to Germany, she was silent in front of the radio in the office of the Premier of Gauteng, Mr Mbazima Shilowa... She had no clue what was next but was confident South Africa will become her home as she felt belonging...

In 2001, she established Valued Citizens Initiative.

Le Monde
Department Of Basic Education SA
Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG)
702
ALEX FM 89.1
RFI

When the violence of communities is imprinted on young men from their childhood, then it requires them to learn to trust...
11/09/2026

When the violence of communities is imprinted on young men from their childhood, then it requires them to learn to trust again, have the courage to be authentic and commit to self for hope to be anchored.

For the last six months, thanks to the Western Cape Department of Social Development, young men walked a journey by our side, with the iNSPIRE Change programme. Learning about their identity, personal values to shape their decisions making process, managing their emotions, they stepped forward.

Yesterday, the programme concluded by a visual art process at Norval Foundation. The Museum opened its doors for young men to experience the arts, the quiet space and be inspired. While engaging with the exhibition "Tears now but heaven tomorrow", the statement - "The world I knew is now gone" remained with them.

Then in the learning centre, they played with colours, perspectives, connected with one another and three well-known South African artists Jonathan Stone, Stompie Selibe and Shui-lyn White.

Learning together, they will remember forever that every masterpiece begins with a blank canvas.
Every transformation begins with human dignity.

When Sondela Visual Art Process starts, young people do more than making art, they make their voices visible...Through...
03/09/2026

When Sondela Visual Art Process starts, young people do more than making art, they make their voices visible...

Through dialogue, our learners from Udumo Secondary school and Mathubesizwe High School explored the issues that shape their lives, communities and futures while deepening their understanding of our history at the Luthuli Museum. This year, they translated their dialogues into visual art, turning ideas and words that are often difficult to express into something we can see, feel and engage with.

From the first brushstroke defining their background to the final composition, the process belongs to them. Excited, they learned together with South African artists Stompie Selibe, Zama Dunywa and a young voice Zanele Mthembu to plan carefully the creation of their "masterpiece" as said Asanda.

They discovered the meaning of colours and chose them carefully to carry their thoughts.
They realised that everything in life requires a plan of action and adaptability, as colours blend, new lines and perspectives are created. With an open mind, in pairs they became sponge absorbing knowledge and skills, they set earth and its butterflies, trees, roads and human beings safely on their background. This process let their emotions flow while discovering how painting is a moment for self to find peace.

Together, we observe. We learn and create. We amplify. We Sondela!

Thanks to Secours populaire and Secours Populaire Indre-et-Loire - Department Of Justice And Constitutional
Department Of Basic Education SA
KZNDOE

Department of Sport, Arts and Culture


As the founder of Valued Citizens Initiative, Ifirst encountered the Luthuli Museum in 2019 upon leaving Guzana Secondar...
30/08/2026

As the founder of Valued Citizens Initiative, Ifirst encountered the Luthuli Museum in 2019 upon leaving Guzana Secondary School in KwaDukuza. I deeply value through the years, the experiences gained through our Sondela Open Dialogue programme and art exhibition we led together at this historical site. The museum's setting, nestled amidst lush greenery and the sounds of birds, evokes a sense of freedom.
During the Apartheid era, the Luthuli family ingeniously used art, literature, music, and cultural artifacts as subversive instruments to circumvent the state censorship and convey messages of non-violent resistance. Given that Chief Albert Luthuli, then President-General of the African National Congress, was subjected to severe banning orders and house arrest, his public voice was legally suppressed. In response, his father, siblings, and close circle utilised music and visual art as a means of expression. Yesterday, we were honored to host Ms. Veli Luthuli, who graciously shared her insights and humility as she observed our visual art process amongst our learners reminding us that indeed art and visual art bring peace within while conveying messages to communties and society at large through the observation and creativity of our grade 11 learners from Udumo Secondary school and Mathubesizwe High School .

Department Of Basic Education SA
Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
KZNDOE

28/08/2026

Having a voice, values-driven, our young Valued Citizens are leading their project to bring peace within their school community and leave a legacy as Generation Builders!

Sondela Open Dialogue, a platform to develop young leaders addressing social challenges and leading by example to develop a sense of safety and pride to belong to Udumo Secondary school.

South African Police Service




Thank to Secours populaire
KZNDOE and Department Of Basic Education SA

28/08/2026

Standing together to live their personal values, the grade 11 Valued Citizens are committed to stop bullying and violence in their school community at Udumo Secondary school. Their aim is to leave a legacy as young Generation Builders, encouraging each person to care, to report acts of violence and appraise values driven acts that make every child feel safe and proud to belong!




Values 20 Group
South African Police Service
Ukhozi FM

Thanks to KZNDOE and Secours populaire

Address

264 Oak Avenue
Randburg
2194

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00
Saturday 08:00 - 17:00
Sunday 08:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+27117819462

Website

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