The Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP), a prominent non-profit organization in Cape Town, is taking a pivotal role in addressing the pressing concern of NEET youth, those aged 18 to 26 who are neither employed, engaged in education, nor receiving training. Through their innovative NEETs Programme, SIYP aims to empower these young individuals by reintroducing them to the world of learning, nurturing entrepreneurial skills, and providing valuable exposure to real workplace experiences.

Multi-faceted Approach to Empower NEET Youth

SIYP's NEETs Programme takes a multi-faceted approach, combining essential Lifeskills training with Vocational Skill Training, all within an innovative framework of student-centred education using a project-based learning methodology. The core objective is to empower NEET youth and reintegrate them into productive society, helping them gain valuable skills and exposure to real workplace experiences.

Focused on Disadvantaged Communities

The NEETs beneficiaries are carefully selected from specific disadvantaged communities within the greater Cape Town area. This strategic choice is intended to foster social change within these communities, creating a ripple effect of empowerment and transformation.

Accredited and Comprehensive Programme

The NEETs Youth Employability Programme is accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and is conducted in-house. It leads to the attainment of a Further Education and Training Certificate in New Venture Creations and/or a National Certificate in Wholesale and retail, facilitated through the Services SETA. The programme spans over 12 months and encompasses three comprehensive modules.

Module 1 – Foundation Module (30 weeks): This segment includes orientation, Lifeskills training, and fundamental refresher modules in areas like languages and mathematics.

Module 2 – Internship in Social Enterprises (6 weeks): Participants engage in community-based projects to hone project management skills and nurture social responsibility.

Module 3 – Organization Module (12 weeks): The final module involves workplace learning within a partner organization, allowing them to gain practical experience in their field.

Celebrating Past Graduates and Focus on 2023 Cohort

A graduation ceremony for the 2021/22 students was held on June 26 at the Old Mutual building in Pinelands. The event aimed to honour the hard work of SIYP's students and to host a handover ceremony issuing their SETA certificates.

The 2023 cohort of 86 students is well underway to complete the New Venture Creation and Wholesale and Retail Curriculum. The community service module kicked off with a significant focus on a hydroponics project. This large-scale hydroponics community project involves workshops with students, their families, and community members, as well as the production and distribution of home hydroponics kits and the commercialization of produce. As students embark on the workplace experience phase, the successful completion of the programme is on the horizon.

Building Partnerships for Future Opportunities

"Our aim with the NEETs Programme is to build on industry partners who will take these students in to provide them with job shadowing opportunities and or potential future employment," said Gabriel Hamuy, NEETs Youth Employability Programme Manager. "We call on local Cape Town businesses to work with us in providing these young people with the potential of a career."

For more information about the Salesian Institute Youth Projects and their NEETs Programme, please contact:

Frieda Pehlivan, Communications Manager
www.salesianyouth.org
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Tel: 021 425 1450