🐢 The Journey of the Sea Turtle: A Message for Youth Day
Today, as we honour Youth Day in South Africa and the International Day of the African Child,
we turn to an unlikely teacher — the sea turtle —
an ancient creature whose story holds deep meaning for the journey of youth.
From the moment a sea turtle hatches, it faces great odds.
It must navigate unfamiliar terrain, avoid predators, and cross vast oceans.
Yet, it moves forward with quiet determination,
carrying within it the instinct to grow, survive, and one day, return home.
Just like that sea turtle, every young person starts out small in a big world.
You may feel unsure, you may stumble — but you are stronger than you know.
You are learning to swim in your own current.
You are building wisdom from each experience.
And one day, you too will return — not to stay in the past,
but to give back to the place and people who helped you begin.
In a way, you are not only the traveller.
You are also the future nurturer — the one who will lay new seeds of life,
new ideas, new hope.
So today, we honour your courage.
Your growth.
Your right to be protected, and your power to shape what comes next.
May every young person be nurtured like the sea turtle is by the ocean,
and may you return one day — wise, strong, and ready to give life to something greater.
“At DeafBlind South Africa, we believe every young person deserves the space to grow, the support to thrive, and the strength to return home with purpose.”
— DBSA | Leave No One Behind
“Kwa-DeafBlind South Africa, sikholelwa ekutheni wonke umuntu omncane kufanele anikezwe ithuba lokukhula, ukwesekwa ukuze achume, kanye namandla okubuyela ekhaya enenjongo.”
— DBSA | Akekho Ongashiywa Emuva