With June being Youth month, we used our MzansiVoice platform to ask 100 South Africans about their thoughts on modern day struggles faced by the Youth.
EDUCATION AS A TOOL TO DRIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Educational reform is strongly emphasized as one of the fundamental and foundational aspects that will enable the youth to have the right exposure from an early age.
RESOURCE ACCESSIBILITY
Funding is cited as a key barrier – but there is still limitation in training – warranting for webinars, workshops to make information accessible for the youth.
KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TRANSFER
Vocational training is seen as a viable option for those who seek employment, and inclusion of mentorship to include basic finance and business management for those pursuing entrepreneurship would benefit from technical training and exposure.
To prepare youth for entrepreneurship and foster employability, there should be a focus on providing comprehensive education that includes practical life skills, financial literacy, business management training, mentorship programs, and access to resources for startup support (Black, Female, 18 – 24, GP)
ENGAGING THE YOUTH
Youth presence online is enormous and becoming socially reclusive. Thus, it is important to tap into platforms targeting this audience better.
Youth mostly use social media to express the key issues as it the tool that is used nowadays mostly. Elders should pay more attention to that and help on that (Black, Female, 18 – 24, KZN)
SUPPORT FOR YOUTH IS NEEDED
Applied education aiming to provide practical skills and business knowledge is essential. Currently, the education system is geared towards employability. The shift to technical training and apprenticeship is needed.
