The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport, through its youth and after-school project office, is calling on unemployed youth to take the opportunity to apply for a year of work giving service to their communities.
Unemployed youth, who have a matric certificate and are between the ages of 18 and 25, can apply to become “YeBoneers” – youth who get the opportunity to be part of the YearBeyond programme.
The programme is part of the national youth service initiative. It provides young people with the opportunity to develop a number of key competencies needed in the workplace, with the support of a mentor. While developing these skills, youth build their networks and provide much needed support to learners.
Over the past few years, the department has seen 75% of YeBoneers progress into further work or studies at the end of their experience.
Minister Anroux Marais said: “Our department wants to support our youth by offering these opportunities for them to get solid work experience. We encourage them to apply for this exciting programme as a first step towards becoming economically active and successful adults.”
There are two YearBeyond programmes active in Paarl and Mbekweni namely the Academic Support Programme and @Homelearning Programme.
The goals of these programmes include improving academic outcomes, progression rates and non-academic outcomes, reducing dropout rates, to promote a strong community culture of learning and support for at risk learners. The duty of YeBoneers is to assist these learners who needs help.
YearBeyond is a full-time commitment and youth who has a matric certificate and are between the ages of 18 and 25 can apply.
The closing date for both the Academic Support Programme and the @Homelearning programmes close on 17 February.
For more information or to apply visit https://www.yearbeyond.org/apply.
