Long-term initiatives intended to provide activities for young people are known as youth programmes. Work, non-formal schooling, and internships are often involved in the scheme. In fact, these are some of the activities that many youth programmes in South Africa are organizing to improve the quality of young people across the country.
Photo: @olly on pexels.com
Children’s and adolescent growth services aim to change their lives. This is accomplished by addressing their basic physical, developmental, and social needs, as well as assisting them in developing the skills necessary to become responsible adults.
Many youth programmes in South Africa attempt to engage young people in conversation and events to help them develop as individuals and strengthen their communities’ conditions. Consequently, participation in the initiative gives youth a sense of individuality, including financial independence (as some programs offer wages or stipend).
If you need references to youth programmes in South Africa that might perfectly suit you, we got you. Scroll down to find the best programmes to start laying the foundations for your bright future today.
1. Lulaway
Photo: Lulaway on www.lulaway.co.za
Sitting first on our list of featured youth programmes in South Africa is Lulaway.
Lulaway is a youth employment website that has helped over 30,000 young people find jobs and internships. Moreover, Lulaway aims to drive structural change in South Africa’s youth labour market by collaborating closely with the government, industry, and the social sector.
Available Programmes
- Youth Employment Service
- Funded Internships
- Learnerships
Who Should Join
Basically, Lulaway provides opportunities for youth who:
- Have ID, certified qualifications such as matric certificates, diplomas and degrees, and driver’s licenses (if applicable); and
- Are able to demonstrate proficient language, mathematics, and computer skills.
How to Join
To join, you first have to decide which Lulaway programme you wish to join. Then, visit the nearest jobcentre with the following documents:
- ID
- Qualifications (optional)
- SIM (optional)
Next, the Lulaway consultant will direct you to the Job Board. There, you can choose from a wide variety of internships, learnerships, and work opportunities available.
However, some jobs will require you to take tests. Generally, they will test your language, mathematics, and computer comprehensions.
You can expect to receive the results of the assessment immediately. Afterwards, certain employers will invite you to an interview if they feel you fit the criteria they are looking for.
Official Website
All in all, visit Lulaway’s official website at www.lulaway.co.za to get further information on each of the programmes it offers.
2. yes4youth
Photo: yes4youth on yes4youth.co.za
yes4youth is another organisation providing brilliant youth programmes in South Africa.
Basically, it is an organisation that dedicates its energy and resources to provide opportunities for young people. Additionally, yes4youth also works with local businesses to bring them together with the best candidates.
Available Programmes
- 4 Business
- YES B-BBEE
- 4 Youth
Who Should Join
yes4youth invites young people with high enthusiasm to enter the workforce as soon as they graduate from their last educational institution.
How to Join
Register online via the official website of yes4youth. You must fill in the form to match your profile with the company of your choice.
If you are shortlisted, your employer will arrange an interview for you. You can then sign a contract for a period of 12 months if you pass the admission test.
At the end of the programme, you can expect to receive a CV and reference letter verified by yes4youth. Consequently, this will greatly boost your resume and increase your confidence to join the next company.
Official Website
Gain more insights on yes4youth by visiting its official website at yes4youth.co.za.
3. National Youth Development Agency
Photo: NYDA on www.nyda.gov.za
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) is a South African organisation dedicated to addressing the issues that the country’s youth face.
Furthermore, the NYDA creates and implements programmes aimed at improving the lives of young people and providing them with opportunities.
One of the remarkable youth programmes in South Africa pioneered by NYDA is the National Youth Services Programme.
Available Programmes
- National Youth Services Programme
- NYDA Grant Programme
- NYDA Voucher Programme
- Mentorship
Who Should Join
The National Youth Services Programme is open to candidates who seek meaningful training. NYDA invites young people who wish to develop their skills and knowledge to make a valuable transition to adulthood to join this programme.
How to Join
N/A
Official Website
Ultimately, you’ll be able to gain future update regarding this programme by visiting NYDA’s official website at www.nyda.gov.za. Also, you can expect to learn more about the application process.
4. SayPro (Southern Africa Youth Project)
SayPro, also known as SAYP, is a non-profit organisation founded by Neftaly Malatjie in 2005. In fact, the idea to found SayPro originated from Neftaly’s strong desire to change how youths think about themselves and their families.
Moreover, the organisation provides services in Southern Africa as a whole working with non-profit organisations and the youth in communities.
Available Programmes
- Youth Development Programme
- Financial Literacy Programme
- Youth Unemployment
- Career Guidance Programme
- Job Placement
- Internships Opportunities
- Youth Skills Development
Who Should Join
If you are looking for an institution that provides certified courses and training, job opportunities, and volunteering activities then you should contact SayPro.
How to Join
Contact SayPro by email or phone to enrol on the admission.
Official Website
In short, more information on SayPro’s youth programmes in South Africa can be accessed through southernafricayouth.org.
5. Kliptown Youth Program
Photo: Kliptown Youth Program on www.kliptownyouthprogram.org.za
Kliptown Youth Program (KYP) is another provider of youth development programmes that you shouldn’t underestimate.
KYP’s goal is to provide opportunities for young people in the country to rise above poverty. Besides, the organisation aspires to grow young, dynamic people who are eager to make a positive difference in their communities.
Available Programmes
- Tutoring
- School Fee and Uniform Support
- Food Program
- Online Learning
- Tertiary Education Program
- Vocational Program
- Performing Arts and Culture and Sports
- Psychosocial Support Program
Who Should Join
If you have what it takes to transform the lives of young people in Kliptown, you shouldn’t think twice to contribute to the KYP.
How to Join
To become part of a KYP, you must first contact the team to plan visits, attend shows, take a tour of Kliptown, and volunteer for KYP’s top programmes.
Official Website
Visit www.kliptownyouthprogram.org.za for more information on these amazing youth programmes in South Africa administered by Kliptown Youth Program.
6. Youth Skills Development by Amy Foundation
Youth Skills Development is a free two-month training programme organized by the Amy Foundation. In particular, the main areas of this programme include:
- Hospitality
- Beauty & Wellness
- Sewing
- Craft & Design
- Soft Skills & Work-Readiness
- Wholesale & Retail
- Artisan Skills
- Business Skills & Entrepreneurship
Available Programmes
- Internships
- Job opportunities
Who Should Join
Those who are between 18 and 35 years old and have a matric certificate are eligible to apply for the programme.
How to Join
You can register for Youth Skills Development by the Amy Foundation online. Visit the official website and fill out the registration form. You are also required to attach your CV, ID and education certificates.
In fact, the registration takes place anytime, so don’t miss this valuable opportunity!
Official Website
In short, more information on this programme can be accessed through amyfoundation.co.za.
7. SAIIA Youth Programme
The Youth Programme of the SAIIA promotes international recognition among students and university students. Besides, it aims to prepare them for careers as scholars and leaders in the future.
Available Programmes
- Young Leaders Conference
- Model United Nations Conference
- Interschools Quiz
Who Should Join
Youths who have a deep interest in current issues both locally and internationally are strongly encouraged to take part in the SAIIA Youth Programme.
How to Join
Contact SAIIA staff by email at youth@saiia.org.za to find out more.
Official Website
Visit saiia.org.za for more information on these amazing youth programmes in South Africa organised by SAIIA.
8. Harambee
Photo: Harambee on www.harambee.co.za
Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, or Harambee, is a non-profit social enterprise that seeks to address South Africa’s youth unemployment problem.
In fact, to administer the most beneficial youth programmes in South Africa, the organisation collaborates with a variety of partners, including the government, the private sector, and civil society.
Available Programmes
- Learning Opportunities
- Youth Employment Programme
Who Should Join
Harambee invites all young people who want access to learning and earning opportunities to join its flagship programmes.
How to Join
Candidates must register with SA YOUTH. Anyone between the ages of 15 and 34 can join the network. However, they will need an ID. There, they can review and apply to volunteer programmes, learnerships, bursaries, and work opportunities available in their area.
Official Website
Ultimately, you’ll be able to gain future update regarding this programme by visiting Harambee’s official website at www.harambee.co.za.
9. National Youth Service Programme by SAASTA
In 2007, the National Youth Service Program was created. In fact, over 1,500 young people have benefited from the initiative. Moreover, 65 organisations have funded it by creating opportunities for young people to represent their communities.
The Department of Science and Innovation was the driving force behind the initiative. However, the South African Agency for Science and Technology Advancement is in charge of its implementation (SAASTA).
Available Programmes
- Studying mathematics, science, and technology
- Conducting research
Who Should Join
This programme is suitable for unemployed graduates who have a deep interest in mathematics, science and technology (MST) and wish to pursue a career in one of these fields.
How to Join
To apply, submit your CV with contactable references, certified copies of your ID and qualifications, and a letter setting out why you want to participate in the programme, which province you live in, and the province and institution you hope to be deployed to. Then, send your application to nysprecruitment@saasta.ac.za.
Official Website
Gain more insights on National Youth Service Programme by SAASTA by visiting its official website at www.saasta.ac.za.
10. INGWE Youth Development Programme by SaferSpaces
Photo: SaferSpaces on www.saferspaces.org.za
The INGWE Youth Development Programme focuses on youth leadership development in order to empower young people aged 18-25 years in selected communities in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga to be leaders in their communities.
Furthermore, it aims to help young people reduce their engagement in risky behaviour and foster social change.
Actually, the programme is a public-private partnership between the GIZ Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention Programme and the Mondi Group.
Available Programmes
- Training
- Entrepreneurial Projects
Who Should Join
Basically, those between the ages of 18 and 25 and who wish to become agents of change in their community are strongly encouraged to join the programme.
How to Join
N/A
Official Website
Ultimately, more information will be uploaded periodically at www.saferspaces.org.za.