BY REGINALD KANYANE

OVER 90 young unemployed youth in Taung received their certificates after participating in short skills programme. The programme was organised by National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) in partnership with Dr Ruth Segomotsi Mompati district municipality. The event was held at Mmabana Cultural Centre in Taung on Friday.

NYDA spokesperson, Lerato Gambu said graduates underwent training on the YouthBuild Skills Project. He said the programme targeted youth to create own enterprises.

“The aim was to impart skills to the youth who could play a part in the mainstream economy. The young people received skills in plumbing and welding. The training was for 6 months is accredited by Construction Education and Training Authority (CETA).

“The skill development programmes are mechanism to provide young people with skills. This will enhance opportunities for income. And will also create employment whilst simultaneously encouraging voluntary and service activities by young people to support community development,” Gambu said.

He said as part of its exit strategy for young people, the project focused on three development streams. Gambu said it consists of hard-skills training, enterprise development and further learning.

Greater Taung local municipality mayor, Kaone Lobelo said: “As the municipality we are dedicated to improving the lives of the youth. Most youth are unemployed and this was a good initiative. The programme will help to reduce vulnerability within the youth. We have also been providing learnerships and support to young people.

“A mission and vision of our municipality is to make sure the lives of our people are improved. We have to adapt to the unique needs of our young people. They are our future leaders and changing their lives is important. Nevertheless they are faced with mammoth task like socio-economic issues. So we need to play pivotal role to make sure they overcome these scourge,” Lobelo said.

One of the beneficiaries, Judith Mogomotsi said: “As young people and graduates of the Youth Build Skills Programme we are ready to confront our destiny. We appreciate all the guidance and support that the NYDA has given us.

“We believe this will not end here, but continue to benefit other young people across the province. We commit to become employers one day. We also want to give back to our broader communities. NYDA provide opportunities to all the youth especially in rural areas.”

NYS senior manager, Makume Tlaleane shared the same sentiments. He said they will continue to award learnerships to many young people.

“You are privileged to be amongst the graduates from this programme. As South Africa is celebrating 40^th anniversary of June 16, we welcome you. We will be celebrating the gallantry of young people who sacrificed their lives for better life to the others.

“You are now armed with skills to confront the triple challenges of unemployment, poverty and inequality. As graduates, you have a responsibility to live up to the hopes of the community. And provide your community with job opportunities,” Tlaleane said.

He also urged all graduates to participate on their online platform called Mara Mentor. Tlaleane said that will create an interaction with captains of industry on how to grow their enterprises.

-TDN

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