A Kimberley Boys High learner achieved Robben Island ambassador status after attending a leadership camp.

Carter-Blyke McDillon, a grade 10 learner, attended the leadership camp for the first time and returned as a Robben Island ambassador since participating in the spring school, as well as the result of his previous achievements in oral history.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Robben Island transformed me into a person I never thought I could be. I made amazing friends and learned so much about history and leadership,” said the grade 10 learner.

Northern Cape learners at Robben Island Museum. Picture supplied

Learners from all nine provinces were in attendance and participated in various workshops that involved the promotion of sustainable development, these workshops also included business innovation, environmental stewardship, heritage preservation, and creative writing.

“We also took part in historical research projects, whereby we toured the island, conducted interviews and gave presentations in various groups. My favourite activity was when we spent a day in the life of a political prisoner,” he added.

McDillon also mentioned that the Northern Cape team received 1st position for all of their presentations, regarding topics such as history, cultural heritage and leadership.

By becoming an ambassador for Robben Island, McDillon will have to be an agent for change, upholding the island’s legacy, which says that through struggles and tribulation, one can be transformed into the leader society needs.

“My duty is to take all I’ve learned from the island and implement change in my community. To promote and educate the history of our nation, to lead and solve problems within our community.”

McDillon also spoke to OFM News about the most important thing he learned during this experience. “To be a leader means to be transformed in every part of your life, to be refined and moulded by God and to leap into the unknown. This has taught me to be more daring, so now, whenever I advocate the gospel and Robben Island legacy, I’ll do it with perseverance and power.”

McDillon spoke of the farmer and their heritage in a heritage show-and-tell at Robben Island. Picture supplied

The grade 10 learner, with all he has accomplished thus far, has discovered a passion and immense love for the country and its heritage and plans on spreading the gospel of God in his leadership position.

“Through all my competitions and events I’ve participated in (all involving constitutional development and leadership), I’ve developed a passion for my country, its people and its heritage. I aspire to make the word of God known to the people of South Africa, while leading and advocating for social justice and constitution rights.”

OFM News/Casey-Lee Anthony cg