The Simunye Youth Development Project in Weenen recently took a major step to empower young people by hiring 19 youth participants for the National Youth Service (NYS) programme, which will run for six months.

According to the organisation’s director, Mr Sthe Mtshali, the initiative was made possible through the support of the Southern African Association of Youth Clubs (SAAYC). He expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying it will not only uplift the youth, but also help sustain the organisation’s community work.

“We focus on education programmes such as computer training, life skills, sexual reproductive health and rights awareness, behaviour change, sports and recreation, career guidance, education support, entrepreneurship, and clean-up campaigns,” said Mtshali.

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The Simunye Youth Development Project operates in three key facilities – KwaDumisa Crèche (ECD), Weenen Haviland Clinic and Weenen Ferdinand Primary School – providing educational and community-based support. The organisation also collaborates with LoveLife on the Adolescents & Youth Friendly Services (AYFS) programme to promote youth health and wellness.

Looking ahead, Mtshali says they aim to ensure that participants complete the programme so as to be equipped with valuable skills and knowledge to start their own businesses. The organisation plans to link youth with funding agencies such as SEFA, NYDA and EDTEA.

Those interested in volunteering or supporting the Simunye Youth Development Project can contact Mtshali on 076 943 9682 / 078 875 8015 or email [email protected]

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