Healing stories

First-year law student Calvin Scholtz (third from left) has just returned from a trip to Taipei as part of the Desmond Tutu Emerging Leadership Programme (ELP). The conference was attended by more than 200 delegates from over 15 countries.

Not only was Scholtz, a 2003 Desmond Tutu Emerging Leadership Awardee (ELA), representing South Africa, but he also shared stories of compassion with youth from around the world. These concerned young South Africans whose lives were affected by violence and prejudice.

"I hosted a workshop where we discussed South Africa's transformation from apartheid to democracy and also the role the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) played in healing memories of the past."

The ELP's goal is to develop a cadre of young leaders with values-based leadership for the purposes of reconciliation, transformation and peace in global communities.

"The Desmond Tutu Emerging Leadership Programme recognises that the TRC hearings didn't have sufficient opportunity to focus on young people's stories. We hope that by sharing their stories, those whose lives have been impacted by violence will experience some form of healing and, in turn, help to heal and bring peace to others," Scholtz said.