Breaking down the barriers to give Roodepoort children a future
"We need to be where the people need us. There is a strong desire here and the community wants us here"
Among the most prevalent obstacles the youth currently face in creating a bright future is a lack of resources and lack of role models.
As technology further increases the minimum requirements for entry-level positions, young people face an uphill battle when venturing into the working world. Aiming to be the bridge between aspiring youth and the corporate giants is Sakhane Youth Development Forum. Headed by tech-savvy Microsoft Ambassador Cavall Elliott and her entrepreneurship-focused husband, Hilton, the couple believe they can be the catalyst to an all-inclusive, technocentric future.
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“We want to be a vehicle of opportunity for the youth. We are here to give the children their licence to the digital revolution,” beamed Cavall.
Having developed their concept over several years in Westbury, Sakhane is turning their attention to the greater Roodepoort area. They will be based at the old Roodepoort Rugby Club on Albertina Sisulu Road, more commonly known as Jerusalema or Rugby Club informal settlement.
“We need to be where the people need us. There is a strong desire here and the community wants us here,” said Hilton, standing outside the hall that he is ready to turn into their headquarters.
Leading the community’s involvement is Comfort Ntokota and Patrick Netshitungolu who dream of giving the children of the area hope. “We need to improve the kids’ lives. There is too much drugs here. We need something to keep them busy,” said Comfort, a 15-year resident of Jerusalema.
“Our kids are lost. The kids end up working for the zama zamas because the don’t know where to go. It can’t stay like this,” urged Patrick, who himself is currently unemployed.
Sakhane will be offering a job-readiness programme that takes three months and focuses on Microsoft digital literacy. The programme also covers interview preparation and opportunity exposure. “Taking children into these working environments shows them it is possible. Sometimes it needs to been seen to be believed because there have been too many unkept promises,” said Cavall.
Training does not stop with children though as there will also be digital competence training available for teachers as well as coding beyond the classroom. As a registered non-profit organisation, community involvement is always welcomed. The new facility is in dire need of additional equipment and a cosmetic touch-up, so should anyone wish to donate their time or resources to the cause they are encouraged to contact Cavall on 067 816 9280 or sakhane.ydf@gmail.com. Registration is still open for any child who wishes to get a headstart on digital literacy.
As Cavall said, “The digital revolution waits for nobody”.
