It is every learner’s dream to do well in matric, however that does not always happen. The long wait for the results can be traumatic and when your name does not appear on the list of successful matriculants it can be devastating.
“If learners find themselves in a position where they have not passed matric, they should not give up and do something drastic. There are several options available to them,” says NYDA Executive Chairperson Andile Lungisa.
The following are the options are available to matriculants:
If they wish to re-write matric, the Department of Basic Education can assist however there are conditions for this. Log on to www.education.gov.za
Other options:
- The NYDA will be implementing the Second Chance pilot programme for 2,000 matriculants who would have not succeeded in their 2010, 2009 and 2008 matric exams. The organisation will be assisting these young people to pass matric in 2011 while also gaining other skills during the year. The Second Chance project is a pilot project; it is anticipated that the number of learners that can be accommodated on the programme will increase next year.
- Learners also have the option of pursuing a learnership or skills development programme. The nearest Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA) will assist. They should think about what skills they would like to enhance and then apply to the SETA responsible for that area of development. A list of SETAs is available from the Department of Higher Education.
- If learners want to enrol on a skills development programme they should check out local newspapers on a regular basis. Service providers regularly advertise the availability of particular skills development programmes with the relevant requirements and deadlines for application. The NYDA also implements several skills development programmes including the National Youth Service programme. Young people are encouraged to register on the NYDA’s Jobs and Opportunities Seekers” Database to be considered for the programmes.
- Another option would be starting your own business. While matriculants must understand that their success in business requires a great deal of skills, knowledge and dedication, entrepreneurship remains an option for them. The NYDA assists young people in starting their own businesses; they are provided with access to business development support including training as well as loan finance to start a business. To prepare learners early for the world of business and because the NYDA recognises that South Africa needs to increase the entrepreneurial culture in the country, the organisation implements the Entrepreneurship Education In-school programme which trains young people in entrepreneurship with the aim to present entrepreneurship as a deliberate career choice for young people. For more information on the NYDA entrepreneurship services young people can call the NYDA call centre, log onto the NYDA website or visit any NYDA branch. On the website they will find a list of products and services as well as a wide range of guides and fact sheets.
- Learners can receive career guidance, life skills and job preparedness training from the NYDA; this service is available to young people in and out of schools. In addition, the NYDA has walk-in branches and Local Youth Offices throughout the country where young people can chat to trained professionals about what their various options are.
"Learners shouldnot give up on themselves because their results were not good. This is a detour in their lives; they should therefore dust themselves up and try again," concludes Lungisa.
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