The theme for Youth Month 2023 is: “Accelerating collaborations and opportunities to improve the lives of the youth.”
At the North-West University (NWU), our students have boundless opportunities to explore beyond what is expected of them. This gives them the chance to become the leaders their community needs and the leadership skills they develop helps them soar beyond their academic journey!
Join us in celebrating Youth Month by recognising the student leaders who are shaping the future of our university and the world.
In the bustling halls of the NWU, there is a soaring eagle, who is making a significant impact on campus and beyond. Cole Marz is a remarkable student. He started his journey in 2021 when he became visible to the public eye as an active student leader at the Dr. James Moroka Residence on the Mahikeng Campus. He actively jumped at every opportunity provided by the university.
“Since, I was being active in all events and sporting codes everyone knew about me, and it pushed me further to become a student leader.”
He became a student leader to encourage and support NWU students, while showing them multiple opportunities offered by the NWU to help them discover their hidden talents and the success of hard work. He encourages fellow students to act, take responsibility and make a difference in the world around them.
“The only person who can stop you from doing anything is YOURSELF.”
One of Cole’s primary focuses as a student leader is mental health awareness and support. Recognising the mental challenges that many students face due to academics and external factors, he takes the initiative to direct them to NWU SC, who offer vital support.
He recognised the importance of creating an environment where every student feels valued and supported and understands that effective communication and cooperation between students and the institution’s management and administration is vital for a great #MyNWU.
“The youth have an important role, as it is the youth of South Africa who will take over and guide further generations and guide their own generation. The youth are there to see what is missing and how they can improve and not make the same mistakes the older generation made, as well as aiming to be better and more efficient than past generations and to help the future of South Africa.”
Cole believes that every student has the potential to become a leader and a change-maker. He advises aspiring student leaders to “work hard so that you can make a difference and be around the right people who share the same ideas as
you, because those people will help you be a better leader”.
Happy Youth Month, #NWUEagles!
#MyNWU