Durban South youth set for empowering Careers Day - IOL

Youth Leadership Driving the Careers Day initiative are members of the youth leadership and organising team. Back row, from left: Sgt. Lethukuthula Kathi, Ryan Hwlehings, Chade Louise, Jasmin Richards and Thandolwethu Langa. Front row, from left: Kimberley Govindsamy, Bongeka Maserati, Sonal Mewaldhari, Priya Naidoo and Cst. Phume Malevu.

Hundreds of young people from Durban South are expected to attend a Careers Day aimed at opening doors to education, training, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities while helping them see a future beyond the challenges confronting their communities.

The initiative, organized by the Brighton Beach SAPS Community Police Forum (CPF) Youth Forum in partnership with the Spiritual Crime Prevention Forum, will take place on September 24 from 9am to noon at the Wentworth Youth Development Centre in Jacobs.

Between 300 and 500 young people are expected to attend, including learners from communities such as the Bluff, Merebank and Wentworth.

Confirmed schools include Durban Academy, Grosvenor Boys, Grosvenor Girls, Bluff Christian Academy and Kenmont School, with further names expected to be confirmed.

Senior Pastor and Spiritual Crimes Chairperson Malcolm Nair said the idea emerged from conversations with young people during recruitment for the Youth Forum.

“We identified that many are uncertain about which courses they should pursue the following year. Many are also unsure about what career path they would like to follow,” said Nair.

The event will bring learners into direct contact with tertiary and learning institutions, businesses, training organizations, NGOs and other stakeholders. Presentations and information stands will provide guidance on courses, qualifications, career choices and opportunities beyond school.

For Nair, however, the initiative is about much more than career guidance.

“The Youth and Spiritual Forums are preventative in nature,” he said.

“Our primary objective is to be proactive in addressing societal ills such as crime and gangsterism, which are unfortunately prevalent in some of the communities across Durban South.”

He said poverty and financial pressure can make further education appear unattainable to many families. The organizers are therefore planning practical assistance, including a session on applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Durban South-based NGO Community Fathers will also be present and has a project through which sponsors cover CAO application fees for young people who cannot afford them.

Bursaries, funding, learnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities will also feature, giving young people different pathways depending on their circumstances and aspirations.

Ultimately, Nair hopes the event changes how young people view their own possibilities.

“We will regard the project as successful if a young person leaves the event believing that they have options and that their circumstances do not have to determine their future,” he said.

The organizers intend making the Careers Day an annual initiative.

Nair pointed to the story of a young man who lost both parents but remained focused through mentorship and community support. A local businessman eventually sponsored him for a learnership, helping him establish his own business.

“For us, this is what the Careers Day is ultimately about: creating opportunities, changing mindsets and giving young people hope that their future can be different,” said Nair.

Malcolm Nair, Senior Pastor at Family Trinity Church and Spiritual Crimes Chairperson, is helping drive an initiative aimed at giving Durban South’s youth greater access to career opportunities, education and practical support. Nair says the Careers Day is ultimately about “creating opportunities, changing mindsets and giving young people hope that their future can be different.”

The organizers are therefore planning practical assistance, including a session on applying through the Central Applications Office (CAO). Durban South-based NGO Community Fathers will also be present and has a project through which sponsors cover CAO application fees for young people who cannot afford them.

Bursaries, funding, learnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities will also feature, giving young people different pathways depending on their circumstances and aspirations.

Ultimately, Nair hopes the event changes how young people view their own possibilities.

“We will regard the project as successful if a young person leaves the event believing that they have options and that their circumstances do not have to determine their future,” he said.

The organizers intend making the Careers Day an annual initiative.

Nair pointed to the story of a young man who lost both parents but remained focused through mentorship and community support.

A local businessman eventually sponsored him for a learnership, helping him establish his own business.

“For us, this is what the Careers Day is ultimately about: creating opportunities, changing mindsets and giving young people hope that their future can be different,” said Nair.