Cape Town high schoolers invited to apply for Junior City Council

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The JCC is an initiative run by the City which aims to expose high school students to the workings of the City Council. The junior council’s term runs for a period of two years.

The JCC is a non-political programme that aims to foster a sense of civic responsibility among the youth. It will also help to develop young people’s skills and self-image so that they become confident in their abilities to bring about change. Local schools are invited to nominate learners to participate in the programme.

Councillor Carl Pophaim, the JCC Custodian, said the following requirements should be met:

• learners must be in Grade 9/10 in 2020
  
• two learners per high school will qualify to participate
  
• schools must nominate learners and provide a motivation as to why a specific learner is nominated
  
• learners must be able to commit to at least one Saturday a month for junior council activities

The programme aims to represent all 116 Wards and 24 Subcouncils in the City.

"Membership is entirely voluntary. Learners are required to spend time and effort dealing with socio-economic issues affecting the youth," said Councillor Pophaim, adding that the City holds a recruitment drive before each term.

"There are many steps you can take to make a difference, like taking pride in community public spaces, reporting crime, starting an outreach programme or being a voice for other people in your community. If you want to get involved, choose what feels right for you and what is in line with your talents and interests."

Interested schools can send an e-mail to: az.vog.nwotepac@licnuoCytiC.roinuJ to request an application form, or ask their principal. All schools in the Cape Metro will receive forms.

Further information can also be received on the JCC FaceBook page – Cape Town Junior City Council.

The deadline for applications is Friday, 14 February 2020, at 4pm.