Over 14 000 learners in KwaZulu-Natal have been empowered through the Nyala Future Fit Programme, a career guidance initiative conducted in 21 schools across under-resourced communities from October 2022 to March 2023.
The programme targeted learners in grades 9, 11, and 12. It was a collaborative effort between Careerlinx Empowerment Solutions, Career Connect Group, and Nyala, a local brand committed to empowering the youth of KwaZulu-Natal and addressing the issue of high unemployment rates.
“According to recent reports, the unemployment rate in KwaZulu-Natal is at an all-time high, with nearly 60% of our youth currently without jobs. This makes the Nyala Future Fit Programme even more crucial, as it provides learners with the tools they need to achieve their career goals and contribute to the future of their communities,” says Jennifer Higgs, Managing Director of Careerlinx Empowerment Solutions and Career Connect Group.
The workshops, which were held in Ladysmith, Empangeni, Newcastle, and Dundee, covered topics such as self-awareness, career options, industries, and funding opportunities. Grade 9 learners were taught about subject choices, while Grade 11 and 12 learners were taught how to be future fit, including how to apply for funding and utilise NGOs to further their careers. In addition to the workshops, learners received informative booklets to support their future career planning.
The programme’s impact has been felt by the learners, with many sharing their positive experiences. Grade 11 learner, Anele Mkhize, said, “The programme has opened my eyes to many career opportunities that I didn’t know existed. I feel more confident about my future career choices now.”
Another learner, Grade 12 student Zenzele Khumalo, expressed gratitude for the access to funding and NGO opportunities he learned about during the programme. “I come from a disadvantaged family, and I thought I would never be able to afford tertiary education. Thanks to the Nyala Future Fit Programme, I now have hope for my future,” he said.
“It’s vital to equip our youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to make informed decisions about their futures,” says Sibongile Mooko, Marketing Executive of Premier FMCG, which produces Nyala. “During the programme, the Nyala Future Fit team visited 21 schools, providing learners with valuable career guidance and inspiration,” she adds.
The Ladysmith roadshow, held on 26 and 27 October 2022, reached 1 800 learners from four schools: Qophindlela High School, Ekukhuleni Secondary School, Bhekintuthuko High School, and Sakhelwe High School. The Empangeni roadshow, held from 20 to 25 February 2023, reached 4 430 learners from six schools: Empangeni High School, Dover Combined Farm School, Khombindlela High School, Old Mill High School, Riche High School, and Thanduyise High School.
The Newcastle roadshow, held from 27 February to 01 March 2023, reached 4 720 learners from six schools: Osizweni High School, Indonsa High School, Masambisane High School, Thubelihle Secondary School, Cacamezela High School, and Thembintsha High School. The final roadshow was held in Dundee from 06 to 08 March 2023 and reached 3 770 learners from five schools: Dundee Secondary School, Dundee High School, Thalana Secondary School, Sebenza Kusakhanya Secondary School, and Sarel Cilliers High School.
In addition to the workshops, Nyala distributed over 3 000 litres of Mahewu in Ladysmith and Empangeni and sampled over 5 800 Nyala 100g instant porridge sachets in Newcastle and Dundee. The learners appreciated the tasty refreshment, which added to the initiative’s success.
“As a proudly homegrown KwaZulu-Natal brand, we are committed to empowering the youth of KwaZulu-Natal and addressing the issue of unemployment. We believe that the Nyala Future Fit Programme is an important step in creating a brighter future for our youth,” concludes Mooko.
For more information on Nyala and the Future Fit Programme, contact Sibongile Mooko at Sibongile.Mooko@PremierFMCG.com | 079 499 5765.
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