Experts advise that even though nearly everyone is going through a lot, it is important to talk out our problems than bottling them in. Keeping one’s troubles to oneself often results in individuals resorting to drug and alcohol abuse or even worse, suicide.
A young man from Mochudi, Boikhutso Pilane, is determined to motivate his peers, helping them to keep pushing on, by hosting the Broken but Chosen Youth Seminar in January.
Pilane is an author, mentor, and motivational speaker who deals with character-building and cultivating the potential for success.
He is also the managing director of The Sales Hut Proprietary, which offers team-building activities and motivational talks to schools and different organisations.
In an interview with this publication, he said the seminar is meant to inspire teenagers and young people who find themselves broken by different circumstances of life such as unemployment, failure, broken dreams and relationships.
“This seminar is here as a day of therapy for those who are battling depression and as rehabilitation for those carrying the weight of substances and drug abuse,” he explains.
“The seminar is also to help many young people who desire to be entrepreneurs so that they learn and are empowered by stories of other young entrepreneurs.
“It is also here to help many young people to find their purpose, form a vision and learn all the necessary skills needed to lead a successful and inspiring life.”
According to Pilane, a great number of youths are not hands-on and active players in the country’s economy and society. He desires to inspire a spirit of purpose, independence and leadership in young people so that they may in turn go out and find ways they could play active roles in their communities, families and their workplaces.
Pilane believes that a person who has realised their purpose and formed a vision for their life is inspired to use their gifts in service to their nation, in the end creating employment for themselves and bringing much-needed change in their societies.
For Pilane, the biggest challenge that many young people are facing in this nation is depression. Challenges such as the economic climate and lack of opportunities in employment or business have led a lot of young people into depression. This is on top of personal failures and broken relationships.
“Another issue we cannot deny is that alcohol and substance abuse is on the rise in our country, especially the use of hard drugs.
“We believe these are just coping mechanisms for these underlying issues and young people are using these as an escape instead of dealing with issues and finding solutions to their problems.
“Purpose protects us and since many young people have not found theirs, they lack the necessary discipline and focus needed to lead resilient and impactful lives.”
For Pilane, seminars such as the forthcoming one, boot camps, youth forums and other gatherings can make a difference in many people’s lives. He argues that government and companies through their Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives, need to come together and empower young people and organisations who can go around the country, teaching, motivating and making people aware of the social ills that many of their peers face.
“In the end, we also need to create platforms where young people can easily speak out on the challenges they face daily, be it socially, economically and otherwise,” Pilane says.
Besides Pilane, others speakers scheduled for the seminar include Keitumetse ‘Ms Jay’ Mooketsi who is a poet and motivational speaker. She is currently offering programmes which empower student bodies across the country. Pako Moshaga, who is the founder and managing director of Talitha Cumi Consulting, will talk about personal branding to many organisations.
Tumelo Sengawane, the founder of the Drug-Free is The New Cool organisation, will also speak at the seminar. He specialises in enlightening organisations and individuals on the dangers of drug abuse and helps many young people through the rehabilitation and recovery process.
“Buying a ticket for this seminar as an individual will be highly beneficial to you as you will learn through real-life stories how to manage, handle and recover from depression,” said Pilane.
“This information may be beneficial to you or someone closer to you. “The seminar will also benefit people who have established businesses and brands, to learn how to package their gifts, talents and services well.”
The Seminar will be held at the Acceler8 Stanbic Bank Incubator on January 21, 2023, and ticket prices have been kept low.
