It is 37 years since the establishment of the Paarl Junior Town Council (JTC), and they still strive to meet their goals based on their five core values: truth, respect, compassion, service and accountability.
During 1983, the late Brenda Pagel who founded the Paarl JTC, called a group of people together who worked with children at the day centre at Huis Vergenoegd. She had a longing to blow life into the youth of Paarl. Pagel set out the aims of the organisation and the first Paarl JTC executive council was chosen in 1984.
The current executive council still strives to:. Promote the interest of councillors and their fellow pupils in civil matters (not political) in their town, Paarl, and offer such councillors a voice concerning it.. Promote leadership and interest in administration, community, civil and municipal matters.. Organise projects which will benefit the youth and community.. Promote better understanding and relationships among language groups and schools of our area.. Promote good relationships, based on mutual respect and understanding in our community.
The Paarl JTC consists of three Grade 10 learners (junior councillors) and three Grade 11 pupils (senior councillors) representing high schools in Paarl.
The councillors meet twice a month, and the executive council and committee leaders meet every alternative week to prepare for these meetings and explore relationships with various non-profit organisations and community partners. During these meetings they listen to the speaker addressing them on various matters, and they plan for all the activities and outreaches that they undertake in their community.
The executive council is made up of the Junior Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Speaker, Deputy Speaker and Treasurer. The executive council is supported by sub-committees: Advocacy, Alumni, Ecology, Fundraising, Outreach, Media and Sport and Recreation. The core activities and outreach areas sustain relationships with existing community partners, and smaller outreaches vary every year, depending on the leadership of the committees.
The JTC are assisted in their ventures by adult facilitators, and function under the auspices of the Western Cape Youth Council.
Grade 9 learners are welcome to apply by sending their CV and application letter to info@paarljtc.co.za, or alternatively contact a JTC member at your school.
