Two Grade 12s from Jeppe High School for Boys did not only gain great business insight in the Absa Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development Programme but also finished the programme with honours.
Georges Mbuyu and Reolan Moodley participated in the Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development (Yled) programme on Saturdays for nine months. The 80 participants from different schools had to form companies that had to operate as functioning entities.
“Approximately 83 percent of South African youth under the age of 25 do not have access to formal tertiary education, while 55 percent is unemployed. Therefore there is a critical need for the right skills set and motivation to not only enhance the youth’s ability to find formal employment but to also pursue entrepreneurial activity,” said Steven Zwane, the founder of Yled.
During the programme, the schoolgoers were expected to develop innovative ideas and launch businesses using the life skills training they received. These initiatives are aimed at getting the youth to contribute to the economic revitalisation of South Africa and the reduction of poverty and youth unemployment.
The Yled participants recently attended the organisation’s graduation and awards ceremony in Johannesburg. Moodley and Mbuyu and other graduating participants received certificates of participation. Select candidates received excellence awards in various categories.
Moodley’s company made R70 000, which was the highest overall. Mbuyu’s company made R40 000.
Moodley also won an award of excellence as the best financial manager. He also won the leadership award for being the best leader.
Every year, Grade 11s from Yled partner schools in Johannesburg can submit motivational letters to their Yled recruitment representatives to participate in the programme. Approximately 60 to 70 learners, who live within a 50km radius of the venue where classes are held in Johannesburg, are selected.
This year, for the first time, Yled opened up registration to the public. Applications for next year will open again in January next year. Johannesburg-based, Grades who are interested in more information on the Yled programme, can contact info@yled.co.za.
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