Youth Day: Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future

As Youth Month comes to a close, we are reminded of the powerful role that young people play in driving social change. Their voices, ideas, and actions shape the future, making it essential to invest in youth development to build a more just and equitable society.

In this spirit, the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) hosted a Youth Month-themed Coffee Club session titled “How can you engage with school learners?” Organised by the IDM Social Accountability Committee, the event brought together researchers, students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff to share experiences and explore science outreach initiatives that connect meaningfully with young learners.

The Wolfson Pavilion Foyer was transformed into an interactive space featuring five inspiring learner-focused initiatives. Attendees engaged with displays from the Cape Town and Stellenbosch Science Expo (Lyndon Manas), CIDRI’s After School Outreach Programme (Raymond Moeketsi), Cape Town Science Centre Collaborations (Muneerah Jacobs), Soapbox Science (Elisa Nemes), and Science Week at Libraries (Tasneem Adriaanse). Each booth offered practical insights and resources to support youth engagement in science and education.

The session also offered a chance to build connections over freshly brewed coffee, by creating a platform for dialogue and action. The Coffee Club session honoured the legacy of Youth Day—commemorating the 1976 Soweto Uprising—and highlighted our commitment to social accountability. Through continued outreach and inclusive engagement, the IDM community plays a role in inspiring the next generation of scientists and changemakers.

For more information on the initiatives above,

- Cape Town and Stellenbosch Science Expo – (https://exposcience.co.za/)

- CIDRI After School Outreach Programme – Raymond Moeketsi 

- Cape Town Science Centre Collaborations – (https://www.ctsc.org.za/)

- SoapboxScience – Elisa Nemes (http://soapboxscience.org/cape-town-local-organising-team/)

- Science Week at Libraries – Tasneem Adriaanse (https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20Home/see-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/libraries)