New programme tackles education gaps and unemployment

The programme hopes to positively influence the future of 5,000 grade 10 and 11 learners, by giving them the essential tools needed for the transition from school into the working world.

The programme is made-up of four modules, which focus on enhancing work skills such as finding and applying for suitable jobs; people skills like interpersonal skills needed when working in a team; money skills to do with managing personal finances, and entrepreneurial skills related to those required when starting a business. These courses are facilitated and conducted by trained Columba alumni, which in turn provide the alumni with employment, experience and the opportunity to make a difference.

Columba Leadership is a non-profit youth based leadership organisation that has worked in 169 schools in nine years; assisting each school for several years to build capacity in order for the school to sustain the programme. The organisation works to help youths from impoverished backgrounds access their full potential and sense of purpose through value-focused and innovative ways that build character and develop essential life skills that are necessary for success in and after school.

“Instead of treating unemployed youth as a problem, we’ve made them part of the solution and employed them to upskill other unemployed youths. This approach has allowed students and facilitators to meet on common ground, as each member understands the harsh realities faced in these areas enabling them to contextualise the information accordingly,” says Tracy Hackland, Columba CEO. “The next generation needs to be innovative to help solve the problems we face today,” concludes Hackland.

For more information about Columba Leadership, visit: www.columba.org.za