The GoBeyond: Shape Your Future conference, hosted by YearBeyond, gathers over a thousand youth from across the Western Cape and Gqeberha at the University of the Western Cape (UWC).

This residential event features seminars, workshops, and activities designed to inspire and develop attendees, enhancing their agency, professionalism, and emotional intelligence.

“The experience was something I never thought I would experience. The people I met, the classes I attended, the people who gave those classes, the activities, everything was just so good. I loved every moment of it!”

For many participants, volunteering on the programme is a first commitment outside of school, presenting a busy schedule and high expectations from their service placements. The conference aims to reignite their spirits through the transformative university environment, a place of learning, possibility, and peer connection, featuring talks from extraordinary speakers and programme alumni. By the end of the weekend, many leave with a never-clear vision for their next steps beyond their year on the programme and an energy boost for their remaining months on the programme.