New partnership to help develop Chris Hani youth
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has partnered with Sakhulutsha eAfrika to provide skills training in rugby coaching, leadership development, and career guidance to young people in the rural areas of the Chris Hani District.
The recent partnership will see various initiatives kick off in October.
Sakhulutsha eAfrika MD Masonwabe Fuma said collaboration with programmes such as the Isiqalo Rugby Coaching Clinic was aimed at developing U16 rugby players.
It also entailed a Grade 12 leadership development and career guidance programme.
“We are targeting eight schools from the Chris Hani District, with a minimum direct impact of 475 young people.
“The targeted schools are in Engcobo, Cofimvaba, Cala, Lady Frere, Komani and Ezibeleni,” Fuma said.
For youth to thrive in SA’s economic environment, he believes they need qualities and skills such as analytical and creative thinking, resilience, flexibility, technological literacy, leadership abilities, selfawareness and empathy.
“The programme is aimed at empowering and equipping matrics to reach for their dreams.
“It is a two-day programme that is filled with energy, enthusiasm and a sense of possibility.
“Learners from different targeted schools in the district will get the opportunity to engage with industry professionals, hear their stories, and gain valuable advice on pursuing their passions.
“The programme aims to
bridge the gap between academic learning and realworld success, empowering these young minds to explore their potential fully,” Fuma said.
He said the programme was a “starter pack” with key lessons, motivation, and insights aimed at preparing matrics as they navigated their way through their final high school year, to tertiary education and later the labour market.
NYDA’s Ayanda Khonzi said the key aspect of the partnership was for different organisations to complement each other in the provision of services to young people.
Khonzi said the aim was to also create linkages with relevant stakeholders that would be enablers towards their immediate and future goals.
“The office of the executive chairperson, Asanda Luwaca, like the NYDA, partners with civil society organisations and non-profit companies across the country,” he said.
“A huge gain for the NYDA, in the short-term, would be an increase in the number of youth involved in sports – and that includes girls and people with different abilities.
“We also aim to gain a bigger footprint in the rural areas of our country.
“During this term, the office of the executive chairperson has focused on fostering partnerships and links with young people and organisations in these usually underdeveloped parts of our country.
“During this period, NYDA activations will also provide information and provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the community to access some of our services.
“Lastly, we call on businesses and social partners to join us in contributing to the creation of a more skilled, socially cohesive and active citizenry.
“Should you wish to do so, please contact us.”