Entering the job market could feel like a gamble, where the roll of the dice could hit the jackpot or miss the mark completely.
For fresh-faced youths, stepping into the world of the gainfully employed may feel like making a putt using a hockey stick.
“This is the reality for so many young people, especially those who have not had the opportunity to gain formal training,” said Ilke Stein, Kids Haven’s Pathways Programme coordinator.
“The youth are yearning for an opportunity to grow and earn a meaningful living, but doors often shut in their faces before they get a chance to peek at what lies beyond.”
@benonicitytimes 25 candidates who are part of Kids Haven’s Pathways 12 week development programme met with corporates on March 26 to motivate how youth #employment benefits from meaningful connections with local business. #kidshaven #benoni #benonitiktok
On March 26, more than 30 corporates gathered at Kids Haven to meet the group of 25 Pathways participants, engaging in conversation and exploring possibilities to support their dreams.
Wynand Kruger, a representative of the automotive industry, said that as proud supporters of the organisation, they hope to further partner with the youth development programme, thus making a further contribution to the growth of young people.
“By exposing interested participants to our industry, we may be able to assist in expanding their horizons.”
Currently inching towards its second anniversary, the 12-week Pathways Programme is working with its sixth group of candidates, which has already impacted the lives of 75 youths in the past year.
“At Kids Haven, we walk the walk. Our primary focus is to have corporate partners with this programme as it creates ripples of opportunity for others who dream of following in our footsteps,” said Stein.
“Through our programme, we tap into social capital. We want to build networks that open doors for young people, whether through career guidance, job shadowing, mentoring, internships or job placements.
“We offer a wraparound approach, including counselling and guidance, and we treat every youth’s expectations both holistically and realistically.
“We take time to understand each young person’s strengths and align them with the opportunities that best suit them.”
Richard Greenslade, owner of Cranbourne Panelbeaters, took a moment to motivate Stein’s appeal.
“We have been journeying with Kids Haven since 2006, long before the establishment of this programme.
“Through Ilke’s determination, we employed three Kids Haven youths, exposing them to the industry and developing their skills. Twenty years later, one of those youths has grown to become one of our most distinguished employees, delivering exemplary work.
“The other successfully established his own workshop, while the third explored different avenues within the industry. These kids are eager; all they need is one person to open the door and invite them in.”
Opportunity unlocks passion
With the sound of the lunch bell, Nqobile Manana straightens her apron, flashing a bright smile as she invites attendees to a table featuring exquisite plant-based indigenous dishes.
Entering the programme mid-last year, she struggled to voice her desires, but a once in a life-time opportunity has set her on a path of achieving her goals within the hospitality industry.
Working side-by-side with Master Chef South Africa season five contestant Tebogo Mabye, who catered for a previous Pathways event, Nqobile visibly blossomed, smiling as she worked.
Noticing her enthusiasm, Stein made a call to Chef Noni Moroenyane, owner of Noni’s Home Dish, in Johannesburg, boasting about the untapped talent she has discovered, ready for picking.
“Since completing the programme, I have been working at Chef Noni’s side. She has given me the chance to live my passion through food preparation,” said Nqobile.
“I am steadily building a career within the catering industry. Chef is patient in her teaching and gracious in sharing her knowledge.
“I would not be where I am now if Ilke had not taken the time to break through my sheltered exterior, delving into the core of who I am.
“My future was bleak, and I had very little hope of ever being successful. All it took was one caring individual, another willing to take a chance on me and the confidence to stake it all.”
Nqoblie confessed she entered the Pathways Programme as a last resort, and was not convinced it would make a tangible difference in her life.
“It changed my life and gave me the building blocks to build a bright future.”
Ways to get involved in the Pathways Programme include:
• Job shadowing: Provide industry exposure to help young people visualise career paths.
• Internships: Offer short- to medium-term placements. Kids Haven will cover initial stipends and transport.
• Entry-level placements: Access a pool of well-supported, motivated candidates who have been screened and matched.
• Mentorship and soft skills training: Share your time and expertise to inspire the next generation.
• Career expos: Help teenagers make informed subject and career choices.
• Entrepreneurial experience: Partner with young entrepreneurs through hands-on projects that foster creativity and self-reliance.
For more information about the programme, email youth@kidshaven.co.za or reception@kidshaven.co.za
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