The grounds of Thulani Primary School came alive with colour, joy and purpose today as AWARE.org and Altus Sport hosted a vibrant Youth Month close-out celebration putting the spotlight on positive youth choices and a bold stand against underage drinking.
From painted pledge walls to veggie planting and story circles, the event was more than a celebration, it was a declaration: South Africa’s youth deserve safe spaces, opportunity, and a chance to lead with purpose. As part of AWARE.org’s flagship #NOtoU18 campaign, the activation was both symbolic and deeply practical, uniting learners, volunteers and community members through activities that nurture growth, literacy, and connection.
“Children are watching us. And today, they saw what it means to lead with heart,” said Mokebe Thulo, CEO of AWARE.org. “We’re not just asking them to say no to underage drinking, we’re giving them powerful reasons to say yes to life, to leadership, and to hope. This is what real prevention looks like: community, consistency, and care.”
The day featured:
- Veggie garden boost – with learners and volunteers planting side by side to expand the school’s food garden
- Reading corners – where older learners read to younger ones, sparking curiosity and confidence
- Inclusive sport sessions – bridging age and background through movement and teamwork
- Pledge wall against Underage Drinking – with handprints creating a colourful mural of commitment
- Testimonial sharing – from youth leaders and teachers who have seen the real-world impact of the Alcohol Education Programme.
For principal Ntuli the event was personal.
“Our learners carry so much potential. But too often, they also carry the weight of their environment. Today showed them something different - that their choices matter, that they matter. That’s the gift AWARE.org and Altus Sport gave us,” he said.
With heartfelt testimonials, laughter in the air, and hands in the soil, the day closed not with applause but with purpose. A renewed commitment to empower youth to rise, lead, and protect their futures.
The day ended not with ceremony, but with purpose — hands in the soil, voices united, and hearts full of hope. As AWARE.org and Altus Sport continue to empower youth across South Africa, events like this remind us that prevention is more than a message — it’s a movement rooted in community, action, and unwavering belief in our children’s potential.
