Group one kicked off the first week with training. This training was meant to enable the group members to know each other better, as well as to understand each other’s capabilities better. This training consisted of a variety of tasks to equip the group with an awareness of what would be expected of them in the weeks to follow. At the end of the training, each member was required to reflect on the training week, as well as to share their expectations for the future. Many people expressed an appreciation for the training week as it had brought the team closer to each other, and as a result enabled them to build friendships. They also stated that they wish that the same spirit will carry the team through the upcoming weeks.
One of the first tasks given to the group was to give a group name. A consensus was reached on the name: Pangea. Literally, Pangea was said to be the first continent that consisted of all continents (before they separated). The group chose this name as a representation of the coming together of group members from about 14 countries under the same objective of building a Youth Centre.
Pangea was also requested to compile a list of responsibilities in which each member would be responsible for completing a variety of tasks. After a few minutes of disagreement on the responsibility allocation, the group reached an agreement on who would be responsible for what task.
Week two saw Pangea begin community engagement. The main objective of this week was to inform the local community of the Youth Centre that would be renovated in their area and to get the community involved. The community involvement consists of either donation in the form of furniture, paint, books, etc, or volunteering that consists of assisting clean and paint the youth centre.
The group separated into those responsible for physical community engagement, and online community engagement. The physical community engagement was in the form of approaching those in the neighbourhood in order to inform them of the upcoming event on Saturday, 21 July 2019. Online community engagement made usage of online mediums such as Instagram, Facebook and emails. Photos of the group’s progress were posted on social media in order for the community to see the progress of the group.
Every person that was approached face-to-face was required to leave their contact details – social media, email, contacts – in order for them to be contacted by the online community engagement group.
