Youth Focus: How can you get involved?

Youth organisation, IkamvaYouth, has started programmes aimed at addressing these challenges by empowering and educating young people. 

Established in 2003, the non-profit organisation works in 14 townships across five provinces, with two of their branches in KwaZulu-Natal. These are located in Chersterville and Umlazi. 

They have established workshops that assist youngsters with little or no academic support. 

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KZN District Coordinator, Buyisiwe Khumalo, says they equip learners from disadvantaged communities with knowledge, skills, and resources to better access tertiary education and employment opportunities upon matriculating.

This in the form of tutorials, career guidance classes and computer lessons - to mention a few. 

Khumalo says mentorship and guidance - whether provided by professionals, organisations or family members - is crucial in assisting students when it comes to young adults furthering their studies or seeking employment post-matric. 

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“Looking at the situation that we are in, and looking at the likelihood of our learners accessing jobs that are going to sustain them in future, we need to encourage them about entrepreneurship and helping them find jobs. We are also looking at other ways that can help them live a dignified life,” she says. 

Meanwhile, students from Durban have shared their views on the state of our country today. 

Here's more on how IkamvaYouth's impacts the community.