In October last year, 40 graduates from the Presidential National Youth Service Programme participated in IAHV’s Youth Leadership Training Program (YLTP) in Masiphumelele Township, Western Cape. The training was conducted under the directive of Masi Creative Hub (MCH) and formed a powerful partnership between IAHV, Masi Creative Hub, and Projekt Ubuntu — two local grassroots organisations. The program was facilitated by senior teacher and trainer Neeraj Kalan.

Thirty youth successfully graduated from the program and identified eight key focus areas to address the challenges within their community. As part of their training, they were also equipped to facilitate the Breath Water Sound (BWS) Program, empowering them to teach practical stress-relief techniques and respond to the high levels of violence affecting the area.

With ongoing mentorship and support from IAHV, Masi Creative Hub, and Projekt Ubuntu, these young leaders are now actively engaged in community initiatives. Their projects address critical needs such as nutrition and food gardens, sports and youth activities, employment and skills development, and trauma relief following disasters.

On 16 February, the first Breath Water Sound Workshop of the year was hosted at the Amakhaya Ngoku Community Centre in Masiphumelele. The four-day workshop was facilitated by BWS teacher Candice, together with YLTP graduate Phumza Pitoyi, and was attended by 15 parents. The venue was generously sponsored by Projekt Ubuntu and Masi Creative Hub, who also provided additional facilitation around nutrition and food gardening.

The week concluded with a graduation ceremony for all women participants, along with a shared commitment to weekly follow-up sessions and collaborative service projects to address ongoing community challenges. During the workshop, two food gardens were planted — a powerful reflection of the program’s philosophy that Breath Water Sound is not only about inner peace, but also about meaningful action.

Participants reported a wide range of benefits, including peace of mind, greater harmony at home, increased patience with family members, reduced stress and anxiety, improved overall wellbeing, and even relief from physical pain. Stress turned into smiles, and challenges no longer felt overwhelming.

Through the network of YLTP graduates, a full annual program of monthly Breath Water Sound courses and follow-up sessions is now in place. This week served as a powerful reminder of the impact BWS can have at a community level — empowering young people to become change agents and equipping communities with practical tools to address some of the country’s most pressing challenges.