KwaZulu-Natal government continues to show its seriousness in its quest to better the lives of the youth
Today, about 100 young people graduated with different vocational skills under the tutelage of the Department of Social Development in the province, in collaboration with Umfolozi TVET College.
The graduates had spent about six months at Sicabazini and Vuma Youth Development Academies situated under King Cetshwayo and Umkhanyakude Districts, respectively.
Over the years, the Vuma academy was a reformatory for delinquent juveniles. However, the Department of Social Development changed by transforming the reformatory into a skills development centre.
Delivering a keynote address during the graduation ceremony, Social Development MEC, Mrs Nonhlanhla Khoza said government was very pleased by the work done in the academies in changing the lives of the people.
She said the majority of graduates were previously in conflict with the law or came from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She said the Department opted to develop the academies with an intention to give the youth a second chance in life.
"These training modules aim to transform the lives of the people. These youngsters, after graduating, they secure in-service training, some get permanent employment and some even create jobs for themselves after undergoing six-months’ training in the department’s skills training centres," said MEC Khoza.
They are offered skills in electricity, plumbing, building, catering, computers, business management, driving licenses and life skills.
The MEC awarded certificates and trophies to 100 young males and females who were previously unskilled and unemployable and would have probably ended up contributing to the increase in social ills.
She further committed that all graduates would also be given food vouchers to purchase groceries for their families.
"We know that the majority of these children come from poor backgrounds. This is going to be the start, to show their families that they are prepared to provide for them."
In order to meet with the huge demand of young people requiring to be developed, the Department is also completing another youth academy in Ugu District.
MEC Khoza said the academies also bring back consciousness to young people. She implored the graduates to go back to their homes and be ambassadors for change and fight gender-based violence.
