More than 3 million youth in South Africa are not in Employment, Education and Training (NEET). Despite widespread awareness of the problem and millions of rands invested in youth-employment programmes over the past few decades, the problem persists. This is because it is a complex problem caused by systemic and structural issues, including poverty and inequality.

So says Michelle Fortuin, local branch manager of The Basic Package of Support (BPS), which aims to bridge such gaps.

She said the BPS model uses robust evidence to inform a programmatic response (which includes both youth-facing and service-strengthening interventions) and a policy response.

The model’s purpose, she explained, is to mainstream a culture of support to young people that promotes their long-term well-being and socio-economic inclusion, she explains.

According to Fortuin the BPS is a guidance and coaching programme designed specifically for young people between 18-25 years old who are not in any kind of education, training or employment.

“It’s a support programme that aims to connect young people to opportunities, connect young people to services that can help them overcome obstacles in their lives help them to meet their future goals, improve their well-being, support them to take steps to improve their employability.”

The BPS is unique because it provides ongoing, one-on-one coaching support to help people develop and reach their goals.

Fortuin says its services include CV writing, assistance with applications to higher-education institutions, job applications, starting up their own businesses, interview preparations and so much more and are free of charge and just require young people that are in need of support to make their dream a reality.

“We also work alongside all the stakeholders within the Atlantis and surrounding areas,” she concluded, “so we all can see young people in a more positive light and unifying by working together to make young people feel supported and restore their hope in becoming the strong leaders needed to lead us into the future.”

They invited all young people that fall into their criteria to come and make use of their services as well as stakeholders that are looking to join a vibrant team that is ready to work together towards a better community. The BPS is located behind the Department of Labour office, and everyone are welcome to pop in.