YOH Poetry Reading Sparks Applause at Grassy Park High School

Community members from various Cape Town suburbs regathered at Grassy Park High School (GPHS) on Saturday 20 June 2026 for the YOH Poetry Reading, where young poets from the school took to the stage for an afternoon of performance, storytelling, sharing and creativity.

The YOH Project is now in its ninth year, and seeks to empower youth through the medium of poetry and spoken word. The project was co-founded in 2018 for the GPHS, a school that carries the legacy of the late Jakes Gerwel, and Dr Theresa Hulme, writer and psychologist. The project is currently spearheaded by Marcia Woolward, a poet, retired educator and former principal of the school.  

Participating poets of the day were school learners, Grades 9 to 12, as part of an annual showcase where poets share what they’ve created throughout the year. Logan Napoleon was once again at the helm as Programming Director as well as fellow poet and peer facilitator, providing support from the podium during particularly emotive performances.

Opening prayers were delivered by Esther Ntengula, a vote of thanks by Sasha Kusechu, a guest poetry performance inspired by Arshaad Isaacs and inspired commentary from the audience during the event’s Q&A. A YOH Project introduction and honour ceremony was presented by Marcia Woolward, where YOH-branded badges were presented to poetry reading participants in addition to safe space support from the floor during the programme.   

Commentary from the audience:

“I feel these magical performances should travel further and be documented as social media livestreams and digital storytelling projects. I hope the school learners will be up for this challenge, and I advocate for the support of this by the GPHS principal and broader school community.” — Sharon Lewin, a Veteran Educator of 38 years, of which 25 years were spent serving the GPHS.

“The school assembly should be a regular space for these performances. There are very few young men here – perhaps the assembly could attract aspiring rappers into the poetry group.”

“Veronique’s poem titled My Testimony was memorable. Even though it didn’t start out positive, how she picked herself up from her spiritual disempowerment and reclaimed her relationship with God was inspiring.”