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.
Ella Mogashoa, the Acting Chairperson and Deputy-Chairperson of the Mahikeng Campus Students’ Representative Council (SCC), became a student leader because of the SCC leaders that served while she was a first year.
“My friends and I had a few challenges with securing accommodation and the SCC was very helpful and understanding. We would constantly go to the SCC offices to ask for help and at some point I really think we bothered them, but they were still polite.”
That’s when she discovered the need to serve and assist other students in their daily challenges.
“This opportunity allows me to communicate with different structures and departments to better understand the root cause of young people’s difficulties,” says Ella. “The position also gave me the chance to communicate, research, strategize and liaise with different bodies for assistance.”
She also found that having first-hand experience with young people’s challenges helps her to act and make swift decisions.
What is her advice for students who want to be student leaders? Ella believes students should recognise where there is a need or reason to lead, and then take that upon themselves. They should lead in all spaces they occupy, for example: excel academically, assist those who perform worse, communicate opportunities to other young people, and advocate for right deeds even when no one is watching.
“I have learned that leading requires more than skills. It requires constant involvement, a good sense of urgency, the eyes to forecast the future and critical thinking.
Happy Youth Month#NWUEagles!
#MyNWU