The Deputy Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Ms Rejoice Mabudafhasi today, 25 June 2009 launched the National Youth Service Programme pilot project on environment in Saldanha, Western Cape.
The Department of Environmental Affairs commitment to youth development in the environment sector is illustrated by the departments R25 million investment in three youth service pilot projects for the 2008/09 and 2009/10 financial years.
One hundred and fifty unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 35 in the Saldanha municipal area were officially welcomed into a year of full time service. The Saldanha project will be expanded to include a further 250 youth in the next two years.
The launch of the pilot project in Saldanha is particularly significant as it coincides with National Youth month and National Environment month. South Africa is currently celebrating Environment Month under the theme, “South Africa act now! Combat climate change.”
The youth will be working on environmentally focused projects which include; greening the environment, conservation of natural resources, coastal management, waste management and upgrading of public infrastructure.
In addition to serving their communities, the youth will be further empowered through training accredited by the National Qualifications Framework in the following areas; computer skills, entrepreneurship awareness, environmental technical training, as well as training to obtain a drivers licence. The youth involved in the project will receive a stipend to cover their transport and basic necessities.
In keeping with the governments National Youth Service Programme (NYS), the project intends to engage South African youth in community service activities in order to strengthen service delivery, promote nation building and foster social cohesion. The programme is aimed at assisting youth to gain occupational skills to access sustainable livelihood opportunities.
NYS seeks to give further meaning to the Constitutional principle of citizens’ rights and responsibilities. It offers youth an opportunity to express their civic responsibilities in a structured manner.
The other environment youth service pilot projects spearheaded by the department are in Johannesburg, Gauteng and Hermanus in the Western Cape.
For general information on the pilot projects contact the environment call centre on 086 111 2468
Enquiries:
Moses Rannditshenni
Cell: 082 448 2450
Roopa Singh
Cell: 082 225 3076
Issued by: Department of Water and Environmental Affairs
25 June 2009
