To reduce youth unemployment in Woodstock and the surrounding communities the Youth Skills Programme was launched on Saturday 3 May at Community House, Salt River.
The initiative, which is the brainchild of New Oaks College in partnership with the Woodstock Community Policing Forum (CPF), aims to empower young people between the ages of 18 and 34 with practical and entrepreneurial skills.
Among other aspects, the youth are trained in business entrepreneurship, financial literacy, AI technology for entrepreneurs, safety and first aid, urban survival in a circular economy and small-business development.
René Hendricks, CPF secretary, said the programme also incorporates mentorship, career guidance, networking opportunities and provides access to an online learning platform featuring 11 structured courses released weekly.
More than 50 young people grabbed the opportunity to enrol in the programme. Present at the event were representatives from the CPF, law-enforcement institutions, local entrepreneurs, programme heads of New Oaks College, organisations and community leaders.
Hendricks added that participants will also engage in simulations, community volunteering and monthly meet-ups for four months.
“The core aim is to equip youth with real-world, wealth-creating skills while building partnerships with community-safety and law-enforcement organisations all with a view to building safer, more self-sustaining communities that are less vulnerable to the activities of crime syndicates.
“By fostering and mentoring self-reliant leaders with business acumen the programme aspires to shape responsible, community-oriented entrepreneurs who can give back and uplift others.”
She said once the participants complete the programme they will be eligible to receive online and face-to-face training valued at up to R25 000, if they qualify.
“They will be eligible for affiliate opportunities to earn money by promoting products, gain life-saving skills such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and fire prevention. Also, networking with industry professionals and peers for mentoring and guidance in launching small businesses will take place.
“The young people will get exposure to innovative circular economy concepts such as ‘agripreneurship’ and ‘medipreneurship’.”
A certificate of completion will be issued.
Hendricks said said future expansion was on the cards.
“Future sponsored opportunities will be aligned with participant interests, especially for those who successfully complete the current programme. Opportunities for deeper involvement with the community policing forum and advanced-skills streams are also planned.”
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