Disadvantaged youth embrace valuable information

The Unisa Eastern Cape Region recently participated in the Out-of-School Youth Career Expo hosted by the Department of Employment and Labour at Mzamomhle Community Hall in Gonubie, East London.

Mzamomhle youth attending the career expo

The challenges that the youth in Mzamomhle face are around NSFAS applications, choosing careers, online applications at tertiary institutions and unemployment, among others.

The purpose of the career expo was to empower the out-of-school youth of this disadvantaged community. Also, it was to provide them with information on available careers, employment and learning opportunities, alternative opportunities to formal employment, job hunting skills, as well as funding to break the cycle of poverty.

Various stakeholders from organisations and government departments such as the Employment Services of South Africa, Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa, National Youth Development Agency, and other institutions of higher learning participated in the career expo. The Unisa Eastern Cape Region provides a variety of student support services to a student population through its various regional services centres.

Unisa’s representation explained to the audience what the university is all about as an open distance e-learning institution. The youth were informed about opportunities offered by Unisa such as careers and qualifications, the application process, entry requirements in each career field, support services available, and career planning processes.

The career expo was a platform for the youth to network and exchange crucial information shared to them. It offered career guidance in all fields of study, as well as how to access learnership and funding opportunities.

The attendance was positive, and the expo was a success, as the youth of Gonubie were pleased with the valuable information that they received. They felt encouraged and motivated in learning about the importance of academic excellence and measures available for further study.

 *By Aphiwe Magayiyane, Administrative Assistant, Communication and Marketing