Social Development youth academies – producing job creators and employable youths
THE KZN Department of Social Development’s youth development academies have now reached more than 10 934 young people in the province. Attracting youngsters from all over Kwazulu- Natal, these academies empower youths with the skills they need to access the labour market or create jobs for themselves.
Due to Covid- 19 regulations, both the Vuma centre in Eshowe and the escabazini centre in Jozini had to be closed. Although the 2020 graduation ceremonies could therefore not be held, KZN MEC for Social Development Nonhlanhla Khoza has shared her thoughts on the success of the department’s youth development programme.
“Our youths are increasingly able to secure employment opportunities both in the public and private sectors, and within SMMES. Some are furthering their education, while others are currently part of the learnership programme funded by the Services Seta,” said Khoza.
“Some of the youths who have participated in these academies are former prison inmates or youngsters who have committed crimes as a result of drug and substance abuse or peer pressure. Others are struggling with the socio- economic challenges of their environments, where poverty, unemployment, drug addiction, alcohol abuse, criminality and teenage pregnancy are rife.
“Hence, it is the objective of these academies not only to effect behaviour change, but also to ensure that the programme produces young men or women who are going to impact positively on their families and their immediate communities.
“The first point of contact with the participants is through qualified social workers from the Department of Social Development, who conduct household profiles in all the homes of prospective participants. These profiles provide a basis for a range of interventions, including the facilitation of acquiring the necessary documents to access a variety of social relief and poverty alleviation government services.
“The youth development academies are helping to increase young people’s prospects of employability and business venture creation, while developing young men and women into self- reliant and responsible citizens who positively contribute to the country.
“The academies have also created various opportunities for local community co- operative by contracting them to render certain services.
“In addition to the established partnerships with the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, youth organisations, relevant local municipalities, KZN Wildlife, KZN Health, National Youth Development Agency and SAPS, the academies also receive support from the private sector in providing employment opportunities to students who have graduated.”
“Since the Cabinet resolution of July 18, 2012, substantial progress on the implementation of the youth development academy model has been made. Students have participated in a six- month programme comprising orientation, outdoor, skills and community phases.
“Two social workers from the Department of Social Development, together with various relevant stakeholders working in partnership with the academies, conduct various life skills and personal development programmes. These include self- awareness, anger and conflict management, interpersonal relationships, personal development, goal setting, substance abuse education, human sexuality and HIV and Aids, problem solving and decision making, fire and life safety, basic first aid, ‘ Healing of the Past’ and therapeutic care programmes.
“Umfolozi TVET College leads the skills development phase. It provides a number of skills development and training programmes, including in electricity, hospitality, plumbing, computer literacy, learner’s and driver’s licences.
“Graduates are also assisted to establish co- operatives, NPOS or SMMES, and some get placed with the Early Childhood Development Maintenance Grant Programme. “Furthermore, students benefit from a five- year relationship with the academies through the aftercare programme, which links them to other development opportunities,” said Khoza.