Tutus in fresh drive to help prepare city’s matriculants with valuable skills

THE Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation has initiated a programme designed to strengthen young people’s opportunities for employment.

Applications for the ninemonth programme end next Tuesday, and by the first week of May matriculants from across the city will be able to learn valuable skills, with the promising candidates standing a chance of landing gainful employment or funding for further studies.

Programme co-ordinator Earl Abrahams said the matriculants would go through a five-stage process. First they will receive skills and knowledge that strengthens their opportunity for employment. And then, with the help of a mentor, they will be assisted in identifying their short-term and long-term career goals. The mentors receive training prior to taking part and will have to be aged between 21 and 25, preferably with some experience in youth projects. Abrahams said through service learning, they will also develop the group’s understanding of their rights and responsibilities as a citizen of the country.

“Lastly, we will provide them with an opportunity to explore their career interests by placing them in a threemonth internship. The end goal of the programme is to also provide them with internship.

“The unemployment figures in South Africa remain among the highest in the world, where youth are particularly disadvantaged when it comes to accessing jobs.

“The programme targets young people in the broader Cape Town area that have matriculated and are between the ages of 17 and 20. The Foundation encourages young women in particular to apply,” said Abrahams. He added that Emeritus Archbishop Desmond Tutu is an ardent supporter of the role young people play in effecting change within society.

“Both the Archbishop and Mrs Tutu continue to be involved,” he said.

The pilot project is supported by the H&M Conscious Foundation and will last for two years.