Today at Nkwazi Game Lodge in Kruger National Park, 75 young graduates from Gauteng, North West and Limpopo Provinces complete their intensive three-month training in the Make a Connection work- and life-skills program with a World of Wilderness outdoor experience. This is the first time that Make a Connection participants from all three provinces graduate together at one ceremony.
Since its inception in 2000, more than 300 young unemployed graduates have participated in the Make a Connection training program, 65% of whom have been successfully placed in various companies as long- and short-term contract employees or interns. The program is funded by the International Youth Foundation and Nokia, and is implemented by the Youth Development Trust in South Africa with the support of RF Group, Nokia's distributor in South Africa.
Under the program, previously unemployed university graduates acquire entrepreneurial skills, computer literacy and character building techniques. They participate in internships and receive guidance in planning their career paths. Upon graduation, the students have gained an enhanced understanding of the professional world, interpersonal relations, conflict resolution and problem solving skills. They go out into the world with self-confidence and a positive attitude.
The final module of the program - the World of Wilderness outdoor experience - involves a four-day camping and team-building exercise where participants meet their peers from other provinces, consolidating their training in an innovative and exciting way.
Ntutule Tshenye, CEO of the Youth Development Trust, says, "The graduation of Make a Connection participants is one of the highlights in our calendar. It is very satisfying for us to see the young people whom we have helped realize their own potential, stand up and recognize themselves as independent and confident individuals. The certificate they receive is but a piece of paper, the tools they get to lead successful positive lives are invaluable."
Johan Bornman, Marketing Manager of RF Group, says, "We are thrilled to see the Make a Connection program expand and grow both horizontally and vertically in South Africa. Last year saw the expansion of the program to other provinces, and this year we see the inclusion of the World of Wilderness experience, a team-building and networking opportunity for the young graduates."
About Make A Connection
Make a Connection is a global, multi-year cooperation between the International Youth Foundation and Nokia to promote positive youth development by giving young people an opportunity to make a connection to their communities, to their families and peers, and to themselves. The program improves young people's educational opportunities, teaches them life skills and helps them make a positive contribution to their societies. Country programs are currently running in Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Poland, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand and the United Kingdom. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.makeaconnection.org
About YDT
The Youth Development Trust (YDT) is one of the leading organizations in the provision of solutions to the youth sector in South Africa. YDT's mission is to act as a facilitative and responsive resource mobilizing and technical support organization for the positive development of youth. YDT focuses on strengthening the delivery capacity of youth organizations, providing grant management services for the donor community for projects in support of youth piloting and implementing new technologies to address youth development gaps. Through the Nokia sponsored Make A Connection life skills development program, YDT has made a meaningful contribution to the development of employability of graduates in the country, while at the same time encouraging entrepreneurship. More information about YDT programs can be obtained at www.ydt.co.za
About International Youth Foundation
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is one of the world's largest public foundations focused on children and youth. IYF is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the conditions and prospects for young people where they live, learn, work, and play. Since it founding in 1990, IYF has worked with hundreds of companies, foundations, and non-governmental organizations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in nearly 50 countries, IYF and its partners have helped more than 26 million young people gain the skills, training and opportunities critical to their success. More information on IYF can be found at www.iyfnet.org
About Nokia
Nokia is committed to having a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products and services the company creates. Through its cooperation with IYF and other regional philanthropic and social responsibility programs, the company prepares young people to embrace opportunities and possibilities created by the global economy and new technological advancements. The company has been an active regional contributor to youth and education causes for many years, with Nokia employees making their own contributions as volunteers in a range of programs throughout the world. More information on Nokia can be found at www.nokia.com
About RF Group
The RF Group is the official South African importer of Nokia products. The company has represented Nokia since 1993 and offers nationwide support and maintenance on all Nokia handsets. More information can be found at www.nokia.co.za