Arthur Matthews hoping to hold onto their hardworking assistants

Exposure to new environments can help sway choices and change future trajectories.

At the beginning of the year, the Department of Basic Education launched the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) which created over 300 000 temporary job placements in the education sector. Unemployed young adults between the ages of 18 and 35 were eligible, with suitable applicants given a vital stepping stone into a torturous job market.

Arthur Matthews Primary School has been lucky to have 15 of theses placements at their school. Of the group, only two have been working toward a career in education, with some coming from industries as foreign as electrical engineering and hospitality. The programme was initially meant to end on 31 March but was extended until the end of April.

Much to the delight of the temporary assistants and the school they have been serving, the programme has been extended for an extra month. The assistants have been a valuable set of extra hands, helping to ensure coronavirus compliance, regular sanitization and of course, making sure the children keep their masks on. “Thank you for your dedication and motivation. We really wish we could keep you forever,” said Foundation Phase Head of Department, Susanne Strydom, addressing the assistants.

While most had not thought of a career in education, the PYEI has allowed the beneficiaries to tap into their hidden talents and form lasting friendships. “We are all grateful and appreciative for the opportunity. Jobs are scarce and Covid is still here, so hopefully they extend our stay. We have all become like family,” said one assistant, Tanya Daysman.

If and when their time at the school comes to end, they will surely have made enduring memories.