Youth Day Event Empowers Valhalla Primary Girls to Dream Bigger

Photo Credit: Living Through Learning

The Grade 5 girls at Valhalla Primary were reminded of their strength, their voice and their ability to turn positive thoughts into powerful dreams for the future.

Centurion, South Africa (22 June 2026) – Through art, affirmations, and journaling exercises, Living Through Learning (LTL) celebrated Youth Day with an event that sought to empower the Grade 5 girls of Valhalla Primary School.

In the organisation’s ongoing mission to inspire young people beyond the classroom, this special Youth & Girl Power Day focused on helping girls recognise the power they have to shape their thoughts and use journaling as a tool for self-expression and emotional wellbeing.

Learners were encouraged to develop confidence and a positive mindset by Anitha Mulligan, author of “Life Skills Made Fun” by CCC Tweens, who led thoughtful, interactive activities with the girls at one of LTL’s partner schools.

Mr Speelman, Principal of Valhalla Primary School, spoke about the need for more positive female role models, especially in communities like the Cape Flats, where many young people face significant social challenges that can stand in the way of them realising their full potential.

The impact of the morning was evident in the powerful affirmations led by both Sonja Botha, Founding Director of Living Through Learning, and Anitha Mulligan: “I can change negative thoughts into positive thoughts. I am capable. I can learn and grow,”

These words echoed throughout the hall at Valhalla Primary School as the girls enthusiastically repeated them together during this special youth celebration.

Living Through Learning takes immense pride in collaborating with donors and inspiring role models to bring joy and opportunity to learners in underserved communities across the Western Cape.

While LTL focuses primarily on Foundation Phase literacy in eight township schools, the organisation believes that knowledge has no borders. So, when the opportunity arose to distribute 84 interactive journals to Grade 7 girls, LTL acted quickly with the support of valued partners.

A special thank you goes to CCC Tweens, Crowe Forensics SA, Abbey Property Management Services, Cape Pulpit, and Valhalla Primary School for helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Youth Day with these deserving young women. Together, they created a meaningful reminder of the opportunities that education, mentorship and positive role models can provide for South Africa’s future leaders.