Salesian Youth Projects empower at-risk youth with digital skills
In the face of South Africa’s persistent youth unemployment crisis, the Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP), a well-established NGO and Education Centre, has emerged as a beacon of hope. With a rich history dating back to 1910, SIYP has consistently prioritised skills development training for at-risk youth from marginalised backgrounds. Their unwavering dedication to providing specialised education and self-empowerment programmes has been instrumental in transforming the lives of countless young individuals.
SIYP’s primary focus lies in unemployed youth residing in disadvantaged lower-income communities in Cape Town. Through its diverse four programme offerings, SIYP not only equips these youth with essential vocational skills but also incorporates Life Skills training as a foundational element across all training initiatives. Recognising the importance of digital transformation in the workplace, and its commitment to empowering young people, SIYP recently redeveloped its old computer lab into a Smart Work Centre (SWC), a ground-breaking initiative that takes skills training to the next level. This innovative approach goes beyond conventional training methods and embraces a holistic approach to prepare youth for the world of work.
Incubated and supported by the Rotary Club Waterfront and in collaboration with Computer4Kids, 16 teachers from the Learn to Live School of Skills and the NEETs Youth Employability Programme received training in the use of digital content mapped to the programme curriculum. The Smart Work Centre (SWC), introduced earlier this year, has already begun making a significant impact. Partnering with the Learn to Live School, the SWC supports 215 learners. These students use the Centre at least twice a week to enhance their digital literacy and academic skills. The Computers4Kids and Reading Eggs programmes integrated into the curriculum have proved instrumental in improving literacy rates, especially among those struggling with reading and writing.
The Centre’s primary aim is to promote digital literacy across all its youth programmes, which can be quite challenging due to varying levels of reading and writing abilities. To tackle this, retired individuals from NOAH, have generously volunteered their time to assist with the literacy programmes at the Learn to Live School of Skills. This partnership has proven to be highly rewarding for both the volunteers and learners, alleviating any frustrations and anxieties.
In addition to literacy programmes, the Centre has expanded its offerings to include a workspace where the youth can create professional profiles to increase their chances of finding employment or work experience opportunities. Thanks to the partnership with the Ulektz platform, the youth can create online profiles that highlight their strengths and interests to potential employers, preparing them for the digital age of employment.
Leveraging its extensive network of industry partners, SIYP ensures that the Smart Work Centre provides youth with real-world exposure and access to employment opportunities. This collaborative approach not only bridges the gap between education and industry but also instils a sense of confidence and self-belief in the youth, empowering them to pursue meaningful careers and contribute to the country’s economic growth.
“Our mission is to foster Lifelong Learning and cultivate a reservoir of skilled youth ready to contribute to the thriving Cape Town’s economy,” expressed Fr. Francois Dufour, CEO of the Salesian Institute Youth Projects.
The Salesian Institute Youth Projects not only acknowledges the paramount significance of staying attuned to the digital requisites pertinent to employment but also actively addresses this need through initiatives like the Smart Work Centre.
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