The SOS Africa Skills and Training Academy is officially open to young adults from across the Helderberg basin since last month.

Based on the outskirts of Sir Lowry’s Pass Village, the newly renovated 7,7-acre facility launched its inaugural courses for the first 20 trainees.

Purchased late last year following an unprecedented donation by an SOS Africa sponsor, the exciting new facility has undergone a three-month renovation process. Located near several disadvantaged communities, the academy has been established in response to the country’s startling youth unemployment rate – South Africa currently has the highest youth unemployment rate in the world, with a staggering 60,2% of its youth population out of work.

The SOS Africa Skills and Training Academy provides hands-on training in high-demand fields, including digital literacy, care worker training, entrepreneurial skills, hospitality and horticulture. Every activity is tailored to be a learning opportunity, every skill a prospect to sustainable employment.

The first two courses were launched on Monday 25 May in collaboration with Edunova offering IT Enablers and a QCTO accredited qualification for care workers.

Said Lorraine Emery, SOS Africa adult training programme manager: “The launch of the academy is a significant milestone in SOS Africa’s quest to address unemployment in the greater Helderberg region.

Opportunity to learn

“It is our mission to equip people, particularly in vulnerable communities, for a meaningful life economically, socially and personally. Transformation starts with one disadvantaged person being given an opportunity to learn a skill that secures employment.”

Each course is created after identifying vacant positions in the job market and is supplemented by holistic life skills programmes to ensure that graduates adapt to the diverse challenges of employment.

This holistic approach also includes financial management workshops teaching each trainee the importance of managing income and setting up long-term sustainable savings plans.

Edunova skills programme lead Ziphelele Mdlalo is delighted to be part of the collaboration.

“Edunova has partnered with SOS Africa to empower young people through the 12-month Information Technology Enabler Programme. Through this initiative, we recruit unemployed youth, equip them with practical ICT support skills and place them in schools where technical assistance is most needed,” Mdlalo explained.

“These interns become the backbone of school technology operations, supporting computer labs, networks, devices, software, learning platforms and classroom ICT needs.

“We envision increased sponsorship opportunities for youth so that the programme does not end after 12 months, but instead provides continued pathways through employment, further training and professional development opportunities that strengthen long-term employability and career success.

Beyond matric

The SOS Africa staff and trustees recognise the importance of providing training and support beyond matric graduation to ensure that this key demographic have the relevant qualifications and experience to launch their careers.

“After 23 years of providing a high standard of educational support to primary and high schools across the region, we are delighted to expand the scope of our support to address this desperate need. And this is just the beginning,” said Dr Matt Crowcombe, SOS Africa founder and CEO.

“In the coming years we plan to expand our training programmes, utilising this exciting new facility in its entirety. Our aim is to mobilise to the unlimited potential of the youth and prepare them for sustainable employment.”

The SOS Africa trustees thanked key collaborators Edunova, YES, Greenpop, Moon Shot Pirates and Octotel for the invaluable roles they have already played in the launch of the academy’s first courses.

They also welcome the involvement of training providers and businesses across the region as they look to expand the courses offered to empower generations of young adults through training in the future.