The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) congratulates all successful matric class of 2009 learners for their performance in their final exams. As they embark on their different journeys the NYDA wishes them a great rewarding experience. “As an institution given the responsibility to represent the overall interests of young people we are aware of the various challenges and obstacles some may come across, as the NYDA we are available to provide assistance and guidance wherever possible,” says NYDA Chairperson Andile Lungisa.
Lungisa says the NYDA is particularly aware of the financial constraints that may hinder the progress of financially disadvantaged, yet academically deserving students, “we are committing to continue to engage government to continuously increase the allocation to the National Student Financial Aid Scheme (NSFAS). In our submission to the Ministry of Higher Education on the review of the NSFAS operations last year we made a call for the review of the funding formula, by significantly reducing the percentage of the loan and increasing that of a bursary. We will be watching those developments very closely,” adds Lungisa.
As South Africa continues to face a serious shortfall in the critical skills areas, the NYDA urges all matriculants who passed their maths and science subjects with good grades to consider taking up courses in the fields of engineering, medicine, information technology and other critical fields to help minimise the gap of skills shortage in the country.
Equally, those who did not pass their exams should not be discouraged as there are a number of options to pursue ranging from re-writing their exams, enrolling on a skills programme to going into business. The NYDA also has a range of services aimed at assisting them pursue meaningful career options including information provision and career guidance services. Last year the NYDA in partnership with the Mathew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance launched the National Senior Certificate Second Chance Project aimed at assisting matriculants who failed three subjects or fewer in their 2009 exams to pass their subsequent exams in 2010. The project will also incorporate technical skills, language and study skills improvement programmes. Currently the NYDA is finalising talks with Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) towards the funding of the project, which is also endorsed by both the Department of Basic Education and the Ministry of Higher Education.
The NYDA would like to caution all matriculants about the annual tendency of the mushrooming of illegal institutions parading as legitimate options for academic advancement, taking advantage of desperate matriculants. “We view education as fundamental towards the development of young people and we will continue to use our mandate to engage government and other structures to ensure that an enabling environment is created for young people to flourish and contribute to the country’s development. In return we expect young people do their best,” concludes Lungisa.
For more information contact:
Siyabonga Magadla
Cell: 083 686 9016
Linda Mbongwa
Cell: 082 315 3217
Issued by: National Youth Development Agency
7 January 2010
Source: National Youth Development Agency (http://www.nyda.gov.za/)
