The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Social Development has launched a learnership program for over five-hundred young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in the province.The program was launched at the Durban Exhibition Center by MEC Weziwe Thusi in partnership with SETA. The first cycle of the programme was introduced in 2014 giving more than seven-hundred young individuals an opportunity to develop skills.
Addressing scores of young people in Durban MEC Thusi said the programme will also enhance behavioral change among the youth. Thusi says government is doing everything in its power to reduce the high rate of unemployment in the country which is largely blamed on global economic conditions and a shortage of skills.
“We are implementing learnerships that will help make hundreds of young people more employable. The department has gone a step further by designing a unique programme that divides project structure skills and vocational skills development. Our focus is to ensure that the youth graduating from this programme are well rounded individuals with high levels of self-esteem, high moral values and respect for the constitutional principles.”
The youth benefiting from this programme will receive a 12 month theoretical and practical training in foster care, Public Works Programme such as cleaners and admin work. The beneficiaries also receive a monthly stipend of R1500.
18-year-old Nombuso Mthembu says since she started this programme it has helped her to provide financially for her five siblings.
“It is so good to study . This program has helped me a lot. We get a stipend and it has gone a long way for me and my family. I stay with my grandmother. We don’t have any source of income. But with this programme things are much better.”
Twenty -year-old Philane Ntuli, from Dannhauser, says when he completed matric four years ago he could not complete his studies due to the lack of income. Ntuli who is being trained as an office clerk says through this programme he has been able to get his driver’s licence with the stipend he receives.
“We can educate ourselves and also be available to care and contribute in our families. I’m also doing my driver’s license now. It’s amazing.”
Meanwhile the Department says it is further exploring opportunities to ensure that youth exit the learnership into income generating opportunities.
