Alexandra Youth Empowered at Future Leaders Social Equity Program

Young people from Alexandra gathered at the Ikemeleng Youth Centre on May 21 for the Future Leaders Social Equity Programme. The event was hosted by Junior Achievement South Africa in partnership with the Zurich Foundation.
Youth facilitator Pastor Unathi Pan said the five-day programme focused on equipping youth with business skills, building their resilience, and addressing community challenges.

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He added the purpose of their discussions was to tell young people about the importance of resilience and determination, especially when times get hard. “Sometimes you are going to plan, and the plans will not come together,” he told attendees.
“Do you give up or do you keep going… so, we’re talking about resilience.”
He also spoke about the importance of branding themselves as a business.

Attendees broke into groups to discuss challenges that young people face in Alexandra. Among other challenges, the lack of direction and disengagement were highlighted as common challenges. Pan said the event also served to give the youth an important platform not only to highlight challenges, but to also propose solutions to those challenges.

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Attendee Luyolo Renene said, “One would come with a challenge that you were not aware of in your community. Some pointed out a challenge they facing in their own homes. This was an eye-opener in that it allows you to create a business from that challenge that they have.”

Kwabens Fordon attended the event to sharpen his leadership skills. “If this one programme can bring awareness to these attendees, imagine how much change it can bring to the community, the country and even globally,” he noted, adding that it was important for young people to attend because the programme opened up a huge door of opportunities for them.

Beyond the workshop, Junior Achievement South Africa will run a three-month coaching and mentorship programme to ensure sustained growth.

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