The Y is a welcoming, interdenominational, Christ-focused community that exists to grow Christians as leaders in their chosen professional fields and to equip them to use their gifts for the good of the world. As members of our Living & Learning Community, our residents are invited to be at the heart of the Y mission and to participate in our offerings throughout the year, such as community meals, socials, seminars, Bible studies, and conferences.
Our passion is the development of whole and effective leaders who are growing in Christ and inspired by their faith to build the church and to seek the welfare of society. The UCT YMCA Living & Learning Community (LLC) is a residence-based programme of the UCT YMCA that will advance this mission by creating a relationally, spiritually and academically supportive community of undergraduate and postgraduate UCT students.
LLC residents will live, learn and serve together as an act of holistic worship of our Lord Jesus. As such, the LLC seeks to integrate students’ academic and personal lives and grow a spirit of active learning rather than passive learning, cooperation rather than competition, and community rather than isolation.
This will be done by fostering coordinated community rhythms that encourage personal development, a commitment to servant leadership, spiritual formation, learning from peers, and opportunities for interaction with and mentorship by UCT YMCA staff.
1. Weekly shared meal & discussion
On a set night each week, LLC residents take turns preparing a communal meal. This mealtime is an important means of growing a healthy living environment by providing a forum to build relationships with one another and to negotiate the details of residence life together. Certain mealtimes each month will be set aside for residents to participate in The Core Project (see below), where they will explore the overarching story of Scripture over a meal and in fellowship with others in the program.
2. Weekly peer-led devotion & prayer
Prayer is an integral part of following Jesus, and praying together as a community holds the potential to strengthen and grow that community in various ways. LLC residents will gather at a set time each week for peer-led devotions and prayer.
3. Mentoring
Meeting with an older, wiser Christian offers opportunities for growth and input on the Christian journey – and the journey of life. UCT Y staff are available to connect with residents and to walk with you throughout the year.
4. Communal outdoor activities
Whether playing a game of soccer or taking a hike to the blockhouse, doing something active is important not only for one’s body and soul, but for the community as a whole. LLC residents arrange monthly outdoor activities to promote good health and good relationship.
5. Mutual service
Residents are expected to serve one another by maintaining the residence space to a standard that helps the community to thrive. Residents will be assigned tasks such as putting out the bins, making sure the hall is locked at night, buying communal supplies such as black bags and dishwashing liquid, and so on. Note that someone is employed to perform basic cleaning services once a week.
6. Retreats
Residents enjoy at least two important retreats during the year, starting with the LLC orientation in February, and a half-day year-end retreat to look back on the year’s experiences. We also hope to plan an overnight, mid-year retreat for teambuilding, reflection and fun.
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IMPORTANT DATE: Residents must move into the premises latest by Wednesday, 5 February 2025 in order to be available for the orientation retreat that will be held on Thursday, 6 February 2025.
The UCT Y’s CORE Project is open to all students and is a requirement for LLC residents. The program is a year-long commitment designed to form both heart and mind.
Year 1 consists of a deep dive into Christian theology, focusing on the overarching story of Scripture.
Year 2 explores vocation and calling and how to engage culture thoughtfully as a Christian.
Participants gather three evenings per term for instruction, discussion and fellowship over a meal. Other components include: two day-long retreats, monthly meetings with a mentor and a service project within the wider Cape Town area. A certificate of completion is awarded to students who successfully meet the program requirements.
Program fees are waived for LLC residents.
