Alex youths take charge of their futures
ALEXANDRA - Alex youths eager to improve their circumstances and prospects for a brighter future have been given a life line.
Alex youths eager to improve their circumstances and prospects for a brighter future have been given a lifeline.
This through the official opening of the Alex Youth Advisory Centre, which is manned by youths and has been operating at the Alex Multi Purpose Centre on 8th Avenue since 2012. The centre provides youths with access to information and advice on available resources and opportunities for further study, training, employment and life skills.
The event which was full of glitz and glamour befitting a youthful gathering, was well attended and through plays, speeches and displays, exposed the youth to a range of opportunities in government, colleges, parastatals, non-profit organisations (NPOs) and businesses.
Youth role models motivated the youngsters to have aspirations and dreams, while colleges, government departments and parastatals informed them of the support on offer for their development and employment.
NPOs imparted life skills and spoke of services available to prepare them to be able to take charge of their futures. Among them, NPO Vulindlela Skills Development Programme’s Mduduzi Mahlangu, enthralled them with catchy edutainment displays on self-knowledge, employment readiness and knowing the job market. PC Training and Business College advised them about courses and available bursaries; while ENS Law Firm informed them of its advisory services on entrepreneurship. Thee National Youth Development Agency and Services SETA exposed them to skills development and work opportunities through learnerships and mentorships which they offer.
MMC for Health and Social Development, Nonceba Molwele urged them to avoid the negatives such as school absenteeism, disrespect of elders and authority, drugs, substance abuse and the influence of satanism which, she said, were rife in schools.
“Assist other youths… by sharing information in order to also improve their welfare and opportunities,” she urged.
Vika Mjoka, a professional sculptor told them how to turn their artistic talents into a career; while 20-year-old Alex-born pilot, Boipelo Moraka who still resides in Alex, advised them that anything could be done as long as they believed, enjoyed, stuck to, worked and walked towards their dreams.
The event kicked off with the cutting of a ribbon by the MMC and Region E director, Liziwe Ntshinga-Makoro; and the signing of a pledge by the participants.
