My Experience at the Youth Café Muse Festival         

Being part of the Muse Festival at the Youth Café in Great Brak River was truly one of the most heartwarming and inspiring experiences I’ve had. What struck me the most was how it reminded me of how uncomplicated childhood can be — witnessing children simply being children. They were fully present and in the moment. It was such a joy to watch them laugh, run around, and enjoy the simplest things with pure happiness.

One of the most special moments was when we planted Portulacaria afra (spekboom) together. The excitement on their faces as they placed their little plants into the soil, showing an eagerness to care for something living. It wasn’t just about planting — it was about responsibility, hope, and the joy of nurturing something that will grow over time. Even something as small as a beanbag became a source of endless fun. We ventured on executing so many different activities with it, challenging simple skills like catching and throwing, aiming at an object, balancing the bean bag on your head. All these simple actions guaranteed much laughter but also a concern when it came to hand-eye coordination skills and development. 

It reminded me how little it takes to create joy when children are given the space to just be themselves.

I was also deeply impressed by how the Youth Café leaders interacted with the children. They have such a wonderful way of guiding and communicating — for example, when they clap once, twice, three times, and suddenly everyone is quiet and listening. It’s such a simple but powerful way of creating respect, connecting with the children and getting them to pay attention.

I left inspired and hopeful. It showed me how important spaces like the Youth Café are — a place where children can feel safe, valued, and free to just be kids. Being there wasn’t just fun; it was deeply meaningful. It reminded me how much we can learn from children’s joy and how powerful it is when a community can come together to nurture and support children.