Andréas Deolinda | 163 | Identity, youth empowerment, and reconnecting with my mother tongue

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This series of conversations with women in African philanthropy was recorded on the sidelines of the African Women Writers retreat that took place at the Wits Rural Facility in Limpopo, South Africa, and hosted by CAPSI’s Adɔyɛ Programme. Adɔyɛ is dedicated to celebrating and amplifying the contributions of African women in philanthropy while creating spaces for dialogue, learning and collaboration.

Andréas Ruth Deolinda is a youth advocate, storyteller, and community leader whose work is centred on identity, empowerment, and cultural belonging. Through his experiences and engagement with young people, he has championed conversations around self-discovery, language, heritage, and the importance of embracing one's roots while navigating an increasingly globalised world.
In his conversation with Masego Madzwamuse on Stories of Learning, Unlearning & Growth, Andréas Deolinda reflects on his journey of identity formation, youth empowerment, and reconnecting with his mother tongue. He explores how language shapes our sense of self, strengthens cultural connections, and creates opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and community engagement.
Some of the key talking points include:
• The role of identity in shaping personal growth and leadership.
• Reconnecting with one's mother tongue as a pathway to cultural belonging and self-understanding.
• The importance of language in preserving heritage, history, and community connections.
• Empowering young people to embrace their authentic selves and cultural identities.
• Lessons learned from navigating multiple cultures, perspectives, and experiences.
• Building confident, engaged, and resilient youth through dialogue, mentorship, and learning.
• The power of storytelling in fostering connection, understanding, and social change.

🌍 Exploring philanthropy, social investment, youth employment and dignified work across Africa.

➡️ Visit CAPSI: https://www.capsi.wits.ac.za/

➡️ Official YouTube:    / @capsi_wits 

➡️ Podcast Channel:    / @conversationsonafricanphilanth 

📩 CONTACT US
Email: comms.capsi@wits.ac.za

🎧 MEET THE TEAM
🎙️ Host: Masego Madzwamuse,
🎙️ Guest Voices: Leading academics, practitioners, youth leaders & philanthropists across Africa
📹 Production & Media: CAPSI
✂️ Post-Production: CAPSI Comms Team

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Visit the podcast webpage: https://bit.ly/484AEr3
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