While in Durban, the Young Ambassadors hosted a 'For the Strength of Youth' workshop where the group taught the principles from the pamphlet to 170 of the top honor students from seven high schools. The 2 ½ hour workshop was a wonderful experience and at the end of the workshop the group performed a few more numbers and also sang spiritual songs to the students. Directly after the workshop, the Young Ambassadors were also a part of the Church Public Affairs wheelchair exchange that was tied to the 8-million audience of Nkozi FM. It was a touching experience for all involved.
On Saturday, the Young Ambassadors had a wonderful day starting out with African dancing and free time at UShaka Sea World, which is situated on the Durban coast with the warm Indian Ocean. The group performed in UShaka Sea World at a covered stage in front of the Dolphin tank. It was a wonderful day of sun, beach, and free time. They then were back to the beautiful Durban Playhouse Opera Theatre for an evening concert.
Monday, before the group left East London, they presented two short 45 minute performance/workshops at West Bank High and George Randall High. There were lots of autographs and hugs with the students after their performance.
The next day the Young Ambassadors went to the Mother Woel Sports Center where they presented a performance/workshop for 250 students from Vulumzi High School. Because of the drug problem in the area, it was asked the Young Ambassadors talk to the students about not taking drugs. The group encouraged the students to make good choices and helped them understand the consequences of bad choices. The students in turn showed their appreciation by singing a few songs for the group.
In Cape Town the Young Ambassadors went to the V & A Waterfront for some free time and shopping along the pier. They then were off to Robben Island to see Nelson Mandela's jail cell, where he was incarcerated for nearly 20 years. The Young Ambassadors spent 2 ½ hours touring the island before going to the University of Western Cape for a workshop with performing arts students. The workshop went extremely well and the energy and excitement from both groups was contagious. After the workshop they were off to supper before performing their last fireside. The spirit was very strong and, this being the last fireside for many of the performers, tears were surfacing through their singing.
Friday started off with an amazing trip up to Table Mountain. The view from the top of this mountain was simply spectacular! After about 30 minutes at the top, rain and ice started falling on the group, so many quickly finished up their photos and made their way back to the base of the mountain. The group then made their way to Signal Peak for a couple of group shots of Cape Town and Table Mountain and a few personal photos. The Young Ambassadors then made their way to Artscape Theatre complex for their last concert. With emotions running high for the group members and a very appreciative audience, the final concert for the group members and the tour was a perfect ending to an amazing day.
The Young Ambassador Southern Africa tour included 12 concerts, 6 assemblies and workshops, 8 firesides and YSA events, 11 media interviews, and 15 outreach and VIP visits (where the group was able to meet the Senior Prince and a Princess in the Kingdom of Swaziland).
As the group was leaving, Elder Thomas Hatch, Senior Public Affairs Representative for Southern Africa said, ' We have been receiving many, many letters and emails of the tremendous missionary and reactivation effort that has all been attributed to you wonderful young people. I do not think you will know all the good that you have done. God bless you all for your amazing heartfelt service.'
Source: Performing Arts Management