The programme, run by the Youth Development Trust (YDT) with the support of Sasol and the Finnish Embassy, has been piloted in Sasolburg to address the high youth unemployment levels in the area. It is based on the international Make a Connection initiative, active in twenty four countries, and meant to empower young graduates with critical skills that maximize their employability and readiness to establish their own business ventures.

 

Having received intensive skills development training, Sasolburg participants interacted with ten potential employers at an Employers Forum. In this way, job placements and internships were facilitated.

 

"The Sasol Make a Connection programme provides an effective and practical vehicle for us to address skills development among the youth, driving socio-economic development in a sustainable way," says Pamilla Mudhray, Head of Corporate Social Investment at Sasol. "Our goal is to build better platforms for youth from marginalized communities. We need to facilitate entry into the labour market. By providing essential training and networking opportunities with potential employers, we prepare matriculants for a successful school-to-work transition."

 

Participants in the Sasol Make a Connection programme are twenty six or younger, unemployed and with matric exemptions. They spend three months gaining information and communications technology (ICT), entrepreneurial and life skills.

 

"This training enhances the ability of young people to find and retain employment, as well as preparing them for alternative careers in entrepreneurship, by fostering a sense of professionalism, stability and purposefulness," says Lebo Maseloane, acting CEO of YDT.

 

Participants undertake community outreach projects in groups, learning skills such as teamwork and communication. Simon Meya's group obtained a sponsorship of white school shirts from Ackermans to donate to Tsatsi Primary School. Of this, Meya is particularly proud: "I never thought that I could ask for funds, let alone do a presentation and actually succeed. Sasol Make a Connection is helpful because now I am no longer afraid to market myself and my skills."

 

The enthusiastic reception of the programme is shared by programme participant, Asari Kreesen, who says, "Although we don't get funding from this programme, what I have learnt is worth more than money. I have been given lifelong skills that will enable me to earn my own income. Now I am confident to pursue my dreams."

 

Potential employers, including First National Bank, De Beers & Skinner Prokureurs, Sasol and the Sasolburg Chamber of Commerce said that the programme graduates showed a high level of professionalism and confidence. Graduates were encouraged to form a steering committee and work with local government to ensure that young people are represented in the economic development bodies in Sasolburg.

 

"Sustainable corporate social investment is about providing tools, not short-term solutions," says Mudhray. "We are committed to making long term investments and partnering with effective organizations. YDT has established credibility in implementing programmes that are needs-driven and demands-led, and based on international best practice. We look forward to working with YDT and other funders such as the Embassy of Finland, to ensure that this programme expands."

 

 

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The Youth Development Trust (YDT) is a dynamic non-governmental organisation aimed at developing and building strategic alliances in the youth sector. It was founded in 1987 as the Human Resources Trust. YDT focuses on strengthening the delivery capacity of youth organisations, providing grant management services for the donor community for projects in support of youth, and piloting and implementing new approaches, tools and technologies to address youth development gaps.