Free State youth hope for positive change at Empowa Youth Summit

Unemployed young people of Thaba Nchu and surrounding areas in the Free State are optimistic about job creation in the area.

This comes as the Empowa Youth Summit made a stop in the town to provide them with information on access to jobs and business opportunities.

The three-day Summit kicks off on a high note, with speakers sharing their insights with the youth.

Young people attending the Summit are optimistic that it will bring about positive change. The summit aims to address the high unemployment rate, poverty and inequality.

Thaba Nchu| Efforts to empower youth with skills and funding

Intended to empower the youth, the organisers target peripheral areas that are often forgotten. They also focus on industries that are already operational in the areas they visit.

This is to assist the youth to enter markets in which they can thrive.

By focusing on the transport sector, energy, agriculture and tourism, as well as health and wellness, organisers of Empowa Youth Summit hope to equip the youth of Thaba Nchu with the necessary skills to utilise job opportunities.

The summit is aimed at addressing the high unemployment rate, poverty, and inequality.

Head of Empowa Youth Dumisile Le Roux says, “We are talking all things transport, energy, agriculture, entrepreneurship, health and wellness as well as tourism. These are the economic drivers of this particular district. And we’re ensuring that young people are exposed to information and know what is available from a career perspective for them as well as funding and mentorship perspective.”

A beneficiary of some of the Empowa Youth programmes says her business has seen enormous growth due to the skills she acquired from the organisation.

She has lauded the organisation for not only focusing on funding but also on empowering the youth to run thriving businesses.

Empowa Youth beneficiary Mamoholi Valelo says, “I have received so many benefits from the program because I’ve been able to register my business and I was also able to apply for funding. And I entered into competitions and it did so much for my business. It boosted my business so much from where it used to be to where I’m going now there’s great potential. It’s quite a good program because it also helps people in terms of employment.”

Young people who attended the summit are optimistic that it will bring about the change they desire. One of the young people attending the summit says, “I’m the founder of Learn to Heal. My charity combines mental health and learning in order to give children the inspiration to do their academic work. So I’ve learnt today that I need mentorship and funding. And I’ve also learnt of opportunities that I never knew existed.”

Another one says, “My name is Tshepo. I’m from Thaba Nchu and I’m in the music industry, I own a record label and I work with artists.”

The Free State Department of Economic Development is also a partner in the event. MEC Ketso Makume encourages the youth to remain focused on their goals, especially when they receive financial assistance from the government.