Khanyi Mashinini, a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) graduate from the University of Natal says,
"It can be very discouraging, even depressing when you have been job-hunting for long periods of time. I am thrilled to have this opportunity and am confident that the new skills I will learn and talents I will develop will assist me in securing a job in my chosen career."
Since its inception in 2000, Make a Connection has already provided more than 200 university and technikon graduates with life skills and professional development opportunities. Sixty percent of programme graduates have been successfully placed in various companies as long- and short-term employees or into internship programs. This success is critical given that for thousands of college graduates in South Africa, the promise of productive employment remains elusive. Currently more than half of the nation's youth, age 15 to 24, are unemployed.
The three-month, fully funded training programme is divided into three components: Life Skills, which is the key focus of the course, Information and Communication Technology and Entrepreneurship.
The Life Skills module covers the soft skills that are imperative for success in the workplace, but are not included in most university and technikon curricula. These skills include confidence building, conflict resolution, time management and job interview preparation. The ICT training module provides introductory courses on commonly used software and competence in Internet and email usage. The Entrepreneurship component focuses on business and marketing plans, feasibility studies, accounting and bookkeeping training, and how to apply for credit.
In today's South Africa, there is a huge disparity between the number of formal jobs created and the number of job seekers, and more and more people need to consider the option of self-employment. Graduates are encouraged to actively pursue starting their own businesses.
"We believe in young people," said Veronica Scheubel, Senior Manager, Corporate Marketing, Nokia. "They have the potential to make a real and positive difference in their communities. What they need is the chance to realize this potential. Make a Connection gives them that chance to realise their dreams."
About Make a Connection
Make a Connection is a global, multi-year partnership between the International Youth Foundation (IYF) 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 to 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, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, 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 a leading organization in South Africa dedicated to developing and supporting solutions for the youth sector. 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 young college graduates' employability in the country, while at the same time encouraging entrepreneurship. More information about YDT 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 programmes that improve the conditions and prospects for young people where they live, learn, work, and play. Since its founding in 1990, IYF has worked with hundreds of companies, foundations, and non-governmental organizations to scale up existing programmess and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in close to 50 countries, IYF and its partners have helped more than 26 million young people gain the skills, training and opportunities critical to their success. For further information, see: 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 partnership 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.
Contacts
Ntutule Tshenye: CEO, YDT
Phone: 011 838 4531/2/3, Fax: 011 838 0033, Email: ntutule@ydt.co.za
Raashida Khan: Program Manager, YDT
Phone: 011 838 4531/2/3, Fax: 011 838 0033, Email: raashida@ydt.co.za
Lindi Lesolang: PR and Communication Manager, RF Group
Phone: 011 799 7414, Fax: 011 706 3633, Email: lindil@rfgroup.co.za