On 16 June 2016, on the fortieth anniversary of the June 16, 1976 Soweto riots that became known as “Youth Day” in South Africa, a unique youth programme was launched at a unique place called Volmoed, close to Hermanus.
The programme founders, Edwin Arrison and John de Gruchy, had big dreams: to let it be a place and programme where young Christian leaders from across the globe could gather to be trained in order to be sent back to their various communities. It soon became clear that our impact would actually be limited if we spread ourselves too thinly and tried to do too much, but we continued to gather young people for 9 to 10 weeks, until 2019.
Because of our links with the Taizé community in France, we started sending some of our alumnae to Taizé for 3 months in a year. This proved to be of huge benefit to both the Taizé community and also to the young people as an African Pilgrimage of Trust was held in Cape Town in September 2019, with at least 3000 young people in attendance.
The Covid19 pandemic came as a huge shock and prevented the programme from happening in-person from 2020 onwards. Although we did some things online, we always knew that the young people needed to be together in the same space to support one another.
Rev Wilma Jakobsen joined the team during this period and was able to raise significant amounts of money for the programme, leading to the opening of an office at Volmoed.
From global dreams prior to the pandemic, we decided to focus on the local young people and this proved to be the right decision as young people and others from across the globe were now suddenly drawn to us. Siyabonga Vonco, a 2016 alumni, joined the team and now works full-time for the programme.
Expanding horizons: Beyond theological reflection to drumming and skills development
Although we continued to reflect theologically, we are no longer simply a theological reflection group, but started focusing on African drumming and other skills.
This has now led to the young people being invited to explain their programme and to drum at UCT’s Business school and also to the USA! The youth programme also became Volmoed’s most outward-facing programme.
Looking forward to our tenth anniversary!
In 2026, we will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of VYLTP as well as the 40th anniversary of Volmoed. What might God be calling us to do?
This is a question for all of us to reflect on as we move towards 2026. Our hope is to gather a significant number of young people to mark this momentous occasion and strengthen them to continue to take their rightful place within the Church and society.
God bless VYLTP
Guard and guide the young people
And give them your peace and justice
For Jesus Christ’s sake.
Amen
Eight years ago, in 2016 …
Volmoed Youth 