Youth Month 2026: Exploring Opportunities for Youth Engagement
In celebration of Youth Month, the Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine (IDM) hosted a special Youth Day-themed Coffee Club in June, titled “How can you engage with the youth?”
Organised by the IDM Social Accountability Working Group, the session brought together researchers, postgraduate students, academic staff and support staff to explore opportunities for meaningful engagement with school learners and young people.
The event transformed the Wolfson Pavilion Foyer into a vibrant and interactive exhibition space, showcasing a diverse range of organisations and initiatives dedicated to youth education and development through science outreach programmes. Through creative displays, engaging demonstrations, and conversations, attendees gained valuable insight into programmes that are actively inspiring curiosity and learning among young people.
Participating organisations included the Cape Town and Stellenbosch Science Expo, (represented by Lyndon Manas); City of Cape Town Libraries (represented by Tasneem Adriaanse); CIDRI's After School Outreach Programme (represented by Raymond Moeketsi); Career Exploration Programme (represented by Melvin Lawrence & Robin Booisen); The Lab Next Door (represented by Ruby Bunjun); Eh!woza (represented by Usisibusiso Mqina & Onethemba Xhoma and the CCT Environmental Health – Health Promotion (represented by Lusani Mbadaliga, Luyolo Soni, Matanki Mzimba, Nazly Jamal & Shahnaz Howell).
Each organisation highlighted innovative approaches to engaging school learners through science communication, mentorship, career guidance, health promotion, and experiential learning opportunities. Attendees were encouraged to interact with exhibitors, learn about volunteer opportunities, and explore ways in which they could contribute to existing outreach initiatives or establish new collaborations.
More than an exhibition, the Coffee Club created a platform for connection and dialogue. Over coffee and informal discussions, participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and reflected on the role that academic institutions can play in strengthening relationships with communities, municipality programmes and local schools. The event also enabled several attendees to sign up for outreach activities and express interest in becoming involved in future initiatives.
By bringing together organisations already making a difference in the lives of young people, the Coffee Club showcased the breadth of opportunities available for members of the IDM and broader UCT community to contribute their skills, knowledge, and time.
As the IDM continues to strengthen its commitment to social accountability, initiatives such as this Coffee Club provide valuable opportunities to connect research and education with community needs. Through collaboration and outreach, we can help inspire the next generation of scientists, healthcare professionals, and changemakers.
For more information about the participating initiatives, please contact the respective organisations or visit their websites.
Cape Town and Stellenbosch Science Expo – (https://exposcience.co.za)
CIDRI After School Outreach Programme – https://health.uct.ac.za/cidri-africa
City of Cape Town Libraries – https://opac.capetown.gov.za
The Lab Next Door - Ruby Bunjun
City of Cape Town Environmental Health - www.capetown.gov.za
Career Exploration Programme (CEP) – by UCT pathology learning centre - https://health.uct.ac.za/pathology-learning-centre
Eh!woza - https://ehwoza.com
