The potential of young people as catalysts for change cannot be underestimated and motivating and empowering the youth to transform their social impact ideas into actionable elements is integral to society’s development and driving sustainable economic growth.
With Youth Month coming up, this time is a strong reminder of the need to not only provide skills for the youth, but to open up access and opportunities as they transition into the workplace and their communities to drive a transformative future. Organisations doing exactly this, weigh in.
“If we consider that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aims to eliminate inequalities when it comes to education and drive-up equal access to all levels of education, then we have to ask ourselves, how are we going to make sure we get there if only 4%1 of 15 – 19 year olds are enrolled in secondary education, and with 51%2 of South Africa’s youth not having the financial capability to fund their tertiary education?” says Dr Candice Hartley, Head of People at KPMG South Africa.
One of the best ways to help youth and level the playing field is to give them access quality to educational support programmes aimed at filling the gaps deficit that are a result of challenged public education system, according to Setlogane Manchidi, Head of CSI at Investec. “Our belief is that the support of carefully considered educational initiatives, enables our youth to be better positioned to gain entry into opportunities that can help facilitate the development of much needed skills that leave them more empowered to change their lives for the better. Many beneficiaries have gone to qualify in areas they would not have otherwise qualified in had it not been for our efforts through initiatives such as the Investec’s partnership with the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science and Technology (Investec Promaths) that seeks to drive change that will see a number of disadvantaged youth produce improved matric results, access tertiary education and pursue critical qualifications.
“Education programmes that encourage core competencies is critical to supporting growth in the system but similarly, making sure that job opportunities are a reality beyond a tertiary education is just as critical – moving the youth from employable to employed. Therefore, graduate programmes that bring graduates from the classroom into the real world of work, giving them practical experience and insight, is a fundamental pillar to creating real opportunities for change,” continues Hartley.
Manchidi agrees. “We recognise that there needs to be a continuum of initiatives, starting from high school, moving to tertiary education and continuing through to young adult learning – a progressive pipeline, spanning three stages of learning and growth to create opportunities for young people to become active economic participants in society.”
“In addition to equipping the youth, we recognise and appreciate that the role that teachers, trainers and educators play in providing skills for youth is a critical one. Hence our commitment to the development of a new cohort on Maths and Science teachers through our teacher internship programme that ensures that educators are able to provide high-impact learning experiences that support holistic growth for the workplace of the future.”
“Strengthening youth participation enables us to grow skilled labour and an entrepreneurial pool in the industry, which is very much needed,’’ says Yongie Ntene, People and Culture Lead at Liberty Two Degrees. “Take the property sector for example which requires a diversity of thinking especially if we consider that changes and trends driving the sector as well as the valuable role that communities play in building the spaces for generations to come. From providing study areas and access to Wi-Fi and electricity for students, from internship programmes to mentorships, and from supporting young entrepreneurs to providing platforms for the youth to freely express their voices – this is how we make a difference and drive strong active participation in the sector.”
Brina Biggs, senior manager at 1Life Insurance agrees, saying that it’s not only about active participation, but also about encouraging a view of the future, something that can be difficult when you are young and have your whole life ahead of you.
“Skills development in financial independence and creating a mindset for the next generation is a critical skill set that we need to impart on our youth today. It is the access and opportunities that open doors, it’s the skills that help them succeed and it’s the commitment to financial freedom and the creation of generational wealth that protects their futures,” continues Biggs.
“Beyond creating workplace opportunities however, there is no doubt that sport also has the power to motivate and inspire communities and plays a fundamental role in the healthy development of young minds – as well as presents key career opportunities. This is why we also need to see the backing of strong talent in the field by brands – backing that supports the growth of talent on various levels and supports the participation of South Africa’s youth on a global stage,” concludes Thati Zulu, Red Bull field hockey athlete and Olympian.
