Home Entertainment Inner Self Confidence Program, (ISCP) for Life

Inner Self Confidence Program, (ISCP) for Life

By: Mpho Laing ISCP for Life, a program formed in January 2008 for young people by Ishmael Opelokgale and Brian G, held a young local designers’ fashion show at Maitisong on Friday 11th July. One of the organizers stated that, “Part of the plan is to promote young people’s products, hence the fashion show. This was to give young and upcoming designers a platform to show-case and also to prove that some of them are actually as good as the well established designers, so that the major buyers may recognize their quality products and buy them.”   After a late start, the stage went ablaze as New Race unleashed their roots wear, clearly influenced by Rastafarian colours and today’s afrocentric funk. The models could feel the funk too as they confidently strutted to DJ O’neal’s playlist. Though the hall was half empty the teens, who were mostly in attendance were loud enough to make it feel like it was packed. Following suit were the school-uniform inspired designs of  Acapella Kandi whose ak label could be easily confused with that of All Kasi. What would a show be without music performances? New kid on the block, Brian G took to the stage with his single “Kwe ke eng” with so much energy you could not ignore his hunger as new artists. Not to be left behind was VS who kept the heat burning with ‘O icheke’ and other selections from his forth coming release. Asked about ISCP’s inception, Ishmael explained that, “This program is based around confidence- to help young people believe in themselves and the fact that they can achieve their dreams only if they believe so. Our argument is that you may have everything that you need in life, but without confidence anything can push you out of focus. We believe that everyone is born with that sense of confidence, but then because of the people we surround ourselves with (friends and parents), they either manage to nurture one’s confidence or they kill it completely. And you find out in Africa, confidence happens to be in a crisis. When you have that confidence you are referred to as motho yoo phaphang! (someone who is overly confident)”. This show in particular was meant to benefit the designers and the program. It was a fund-raiser for office space and furniture.  Though they did not make a profit, the organizers said they were happy with the success of the show and plan to hold similar shows in Gantsi, Maun, Phikwe and Francistown. Some of the models on the night are also members of the program, while others were picked from different schools. Out of the five labels that showcased their designs, only New Race and Acapella Kandi made the standard set by ISCP, while Kalanga Proverbs, Black Out and Mark Man failed to live up to expectations. Despite this set back, the show went on and the spectators seemed to have enjoyed what they were presented with. Keeping the crowd entertained was MC for the night, Bonnie Dintwe of Yarona FM and also present at the show was the Minister of Lands Honourable Nonofo Motsumi who encouraged the program organizers to dream big and take the show beyond Gaborone. He also stated how lucky the youth of this country were in having a president that realized the need to empower young people across the board. ISCP targets Junior schools as young people start going through the self-discovery process at around 13 years or so. It specifically addresses the following challenges: Young people into alcohol and drug abuse; young people that are bright but have low self esteem; young people that are economically challenged and young people that are engaging in intergenerational sex and those that lack focus. Every Saturday they engage young people that are out of school from 2pm to 4:30pm in Extension 4 at Lesedi Community Hall, through Capacity and Confidence building Workshops.

 

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