One in a Million

A programme developed by EISA for young people. Its core focus is the development of active, critical and committed citizens who are prepared to become involved in building their communities and strengthening democractic practice. The programme seeks to motivate young people to believe in themselves and to recognize that they can make an impact on the world today.

It is flexible and can be facilitated through community based organisations or integrated into the school curriculum in grades 8 - 11.

Content

The One in a Million programme is based on the following core concepts

• Young people are not only part of the future, but of the here and now. They should be given space to speak, to be heard and to be taken seriously. Society needs its young people to be active citizen who play a role in their society. Democracy belongs to all citizens.
• Democracy and human rights are the foundations on which our society is built.
• All citizens have both the right and the responsibility to participate in society and contribute to an effective democracy.
• We can all make good decisions that positively affect our lives and our communities.
• We can both be and choose effective leaders.
• Local government structures offer us opportunities to make positive changes in our communities.
• People have the right to disagree provided they employ legitimate ways to do so.
• Leadership should be representative of all members of society.
• Government should evolve as it works continuously to achieve democracy for all.
• Leaders should be accountable to those who elect them.
• The decisions we make can be influenced by our own bias or the bias we encounter in society.
• Community is strength.

The toolkit consists of

• A motivational video
• A series of posters with the key slogans
• A comprehensive facilitator's guide
• A set of learner handouts called takeouts
• A CDROM focusing on participation, lobbying and advocacy within the context of democracy

The resource kit is packaged in a handy carry bag.

Educators participating in the programme will receive training and support from EISA staff who will visit them at their schools and assist where ever necessary with implementation.