Organisation tackles challenges facing the youth head on
The organisation, which has about 200 members, has managed to assist young people to get employment.
There is a saying that says ‘Uzoyithola kanjani uhleli ekhoneni’ which means ‘how will you get it if you are sitting on the corner’.
This slogan hits home for a group of young people from Mapleton who have launched an organisation which acts as a mouthpiece for unemployed youth.
Youth Progressive Movement (YPM) is a non-profit organisation established last year October with the aim of reaching out to various companies to seek employment, skills training and mentorship for the young people around Mapleton, Somalia Park, Vosloorus, Rondebult, Villa Liza, Spruitview and Leondale.
Lerato Mosikidi, president of YPM, said: “We noticed that a majority of young people from surrounding areas who are unemployed are lazying around the township which exposes them to crime and illegal activities.
“We started this organisation to keep young people busy and focused. We are doing this free of charge and we are not aligned to any political party.
“Every Saturday we gather at a local school where we meet with these young people and they talk about their challenges and what they’ve achieved academically.
“Formulating all the information we received, the committee then knocks at different companies with their CV’s to try and get them employment or even internship just for them to get work experience.”
Mosikidi said they also expose these young people to mentorship and skills training so that they can be equipped with various trades.
YPM committee member Nkosibonile Cekiso said they didn’t start YPM to make money or benefit but to make a difference in the lives of young people.
Young people who would like to attend YPM’s general meeting can go to Phumula Secondary School every Saturday at 2pm.
The YPM committee pleads for the public’s assistance in terms of skills training or donations. If you want to help, you can contact Rofhiwa Geveza on 064 373 7195 and Kholobile on 061 714 2091.
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