Youth and unemployment: ‘More needs to be done’
The Herald reflected on matters overburdening OUR youth
According to Rea Topisi, founder of 3BR Blaque Blondes By Rea NPO, the youth in today’s modern world are grappling with many problems that warrant urgent intervention from government and agencies alike.
Although there are services from government and counselling available, Topisi said more needs to be done for youngsters to flourish.
Through her NPO, Topisi aims to empower the marginalised and downtrodden young people with information and guidance. She explained how concerned she was that most of the desperate young people were making bad choices just to survive.
She said while education is important for young people, a qualification does not necessarily guarantee you a job.
“Many are underqualified, while others do have qualifications but lack experience, which adds to the frustration and could cause mental illness. Covid-19 has exacerbated the socioeconomic instability among the youth. “Our youth have become so dependent that they expect the government to support them. We’ve become so used to receiving and when we don’t get, we don’t think of alternatives,” Topisi explained.
When an application for the National Student Financial Aid Scheme NSFAS is rejected, they don’t think of alternatives to fund their studies, such as the Department of Education, or the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and Gauteng Enterprise Propeller.
She has advised people to reconsider the traditional route of simply looking for a job, and rather tap into other avenues to create employment in return.
“There is so much information at our disposal but we don’t act. Instead, we want to achieve social status and lead lifestyles that are unattainable,” Topisi said.
She admitted the schools seldom teach young people skills that will help them become marketable.
“There isn’t enough ‘voice-speaking’ in platforms like parliament. The youth needs someone who can relate to their predicament; not officials who are merely interested in getting their salaries at the end of the month.”
For more help, contact 3BR Blaque Blondes By Rea at reighverse@gmail.com.
