How would you advise unemployed youth?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by len stevens on February 10, 2012 at 0:15

Sylvia, I would like please, to add a postscript to the piece I wrote above:

One of the reasons I'm reviving my "Green Energy" project with Government -- despite their 3 previous failures to give me a hearing -- is because I heard recently on TV news of Deputy President Motlanthe's "deep concern" about the "2.8 Million" of our Youth who are unemployed. He struck me as a man of rare compassion, who might not be "too busy" to listen to a logical solution -- hence my writing to him, as I've mentioned above.

But there's another, even more compelling reason for this project to go ahead ... and that is the Enormity of the Problem facing us - which will become more readily apparent, when the stark reality of it is confronted - like this:

Hypothetically – stand these “2.8 Million”, despairing, unemployed young people, side-by-side – and allow half-a-metre as being normal “shoulder-width” … and you’ll find they will form a Continuous Line, 1400 – (One Thousand, Four Hundred) – Kilometres in length!!

That’s equivalent to this huge mass of youngsters, standing in an unbroken line, at the side of the entire length of the road … from Pretoria to Cape Town!!

See, Sylvia?  We have a BIG, BIG, Problem! … and it requires a BIG, BIG, Solution! … NOW!!

And that’s the Exact Size of the Green Energy Solution I have to offer my country.

And to placate our member, Johannes Mongatane, who worries about my “bringing politics” into the story … I say again, that the SITE of the Energy, is on “State-Owned” Property … so bringing Government into it, is totally unavoidable! – and even so, they are the only authority big enough to make the project work, at the massive level it requires – so Govt. Really MUST get involved!!

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Permalink Reply by David Screen on February 10, 2012 at 11:26

The 21st Century is the era of young people . If I remember a statistic that I used to include in a presentation I ran in the 80s, 60% of the world's population by the year 2000 was going to be under the age of 25 or thereabouts. This could be of enormous benefit to a nation or a disaster in the making. In this country, my advice firstly to the current administration  would be:

 

1. The introduction of community service a la the German model. for 6-9 months in one of the government services- health, social welfare, etc with concomitant training provided in civics, numeracy, literacy, conflict resolution, entrepreneurial skills etc 

2. Massive state investment in a mentoring/internship programme in partnership with the private sector. i envisage a 3 -6 month programme where school leavers would join a company,  have similar training as mentioned in 1  above and at the same time learn the meaning of professionalism, puntuality, a work ethic.

3. Exploring something like the 'company programme' run by Young Enterprise in the UK - a school based enterprise experience (15-19 year age group) where students set up and run their own real company over a year. Potentially . a brilliant programme in the context of South Africa.  

To the young people themselves.

Grab every opportunity that comes your way, whether it's work or training. This will give you the confidence to tackle jobs you might think you're not capable of doing. Things unfortunately are not going to fall in your lap. Get together with your friends and perhaps older mentors (teachers etc) and brainstorm ideas of how you an make money. Just keep busy and  enthusiastic.              

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Permalink Reply by Johannes Mongatane on February 10, 2012 at 12:21

Well well well Mr Stevens. This sound very much of something that will yes eradicate the problem with even though some of the problem is those that had never had luxury of education. Remember that we not talking about those that are graduated here but as general youth of this country. 

I suggest you take on YDA and Cosatu. You might get things shaking here.

There are many channels that you can go through as long as your idea or project is protected against the vultures. 

Good Luck Les (Be careful of the greedy they might put you in the corner).

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Permalink Reply by sylvia hammond on February 10, 2012 at 21:46

As we're talking about advising youth, I thought that members would be interested in what Deputy Pres Motlanthe had to say to ANCYL.  I especially appreciated the final sentence.

Speaking Notes of Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe on the occasion of the ANC Youth League Annual Lekgotla, Centurion 10 February 2012

Comrade President and Leadership of the ANCYL;

Comrades;

Thank you for inviting me to address this Lekgotla of the ANC Youth League.

Before I delve into some of the organisational issues that I am expected to reflect on, allow me to remark about the backdrop against which this Lekgotla is taking place.

Firstly, this is the year of the Centenary of the ANC and I am certain you would agree that this is an important achievement in the life of any organisation and a momentous occasion for all South Africans.

Secondly, we will be holding our Policy Conference in just under 6 months. Discussion documents of that conference are about to be released and the Youth League is expected to engage with these discussions papers vigorously.

Thirdly, this is a year of the National Elective Conference that will be seized with finalising our strategic objectives as well as Programme of Action for the next 5 years.

Fourthly, it is 8 months since the ANC Youth League held its Elective Conference where the current leadership was elected.

Finally, as you are all aware, we are meeting in the midst of a global economic crisis, as well as social unrests in various parts of the world.

Therefore, in our reflections at this Lekgotla, we cannot conduct our business without critically taking some of these realities into account.

As this is your first Lekgotla 8 months since your national elective conference, of necessity you have to translate your conference resolutions into a Programme of Action.

It would perhaps be appropriate to start our discussion by reflecting on the question of the relationship between the ANCYL and its mother body, the ANC.

The basis of this relationship is Rule 7.4 of the ANC Constitution, which set out the objective of the Youth League as follows:

"... to unite and lead young men and women in confronting and dealing with the problems that face the youth, and in ensuring that the youth make a full and rich contribution to the work of the ANC and the life of the nation. The Youth League will function as an autonomous body within the overall structure of the ANC, of which it will be an integral part, with its own Constitution, rules and regulations, provided that these shall not be in conflict with the Constitution and policies of the ANC”.

Understanding this proviso that the Youth League remains autonomous in its operations but not independent from the ANC, provides the backdrop for how we may be able to comprehend fully the role of the Youth League within the ANC today.

From this perspective, the ANCYL was therefore established, in the first place, with the intention for it to remain an organ of the ANC subject at all times to its constitution and policies.

This however does not imply that the ANCYL cannot take independent and autonomous decisions.

It simply means that once the ANC Youth League has decided to adopt a position on a matter it will ensure that such position is consistent with the policies and constitution of the ANC.

Where league policies are found to be in conflict with those of the ANC, the Youth League may submit these to the scrutiny of the policy structures of the ANC so that they may be debated and adopted as ANC policy.

As we know from history, since its inception in 1944, the Youth League has at various points in history contributed very significantly to the renewal and growth of the ANC. 

In 1948 the ANC Youth League sponsored a Programme of Action which introduced new forms of struggle such as civil disobedience, strikes and protests.

The 1976 uprisings also signalled another significant contribution by the youth to the national liberation struggle.

The 1980s also saw the youth playing an active role in the rolling mass action across our country.

In the final analysis, the youth seeks to venture into the unknown strategically and tactfully, aware that the old generations may, at times, be blinded by the familiarity and complacency of experience.

Guided by these principles, the Youth League must always channel its radical approaches in a manner that avoids deviance from the ANC policy.

Thus it is important that as you deliberate on your Programme of Action, you should pay sufficient attention towards ensuring that the policy positions adopted by the league at the last conference are in line with those of the ANC or to see to it that they are debated and adopted by the ANC.

 This requirement is similar to the principle of constitutional review in a constitutional democracy, which means that the test compliance to the constitution.

Comrades,

As you are aware this year is both a momentous and weighty year for the African National congress (ANC) in that we are not only celebrating our 100^th anniversary but also because we will be holding a policy conference as well as the 53^rd National Conference to craft and adopt policy.

These events call on us to pause and reflect on the achievements we have made in the last 100 years, in advancing our national struggle to build our democratic, non-racial, non-sexist, just and prosperous South Africa.

It is an opportunity to use this rich history in a rounded and balanced fashion by identifying and connecting various historical turning points that provide lessons to assist us in mapping the future.

Remaining true to the ANC's culture of rigorous debate, this exercise must not be carried out in a perfunctory manner if we are to emerge from this process renewed and ever-ready to take the struggle forward.

This constant act of reflection remains the backbone that holds the organisation up to its vision and mission.

Only through open, frank and rigorous criticism, and self-criticism, is the organisation strengthened and energised.   

Used in this way our history will be seen as more than a mechanical recording of the past, thus grounding us in the principles of inclusivity, solidarity and unity in advancing our national democratic struggle.

In this regard, the Youth League has a critical task to play in using the centenary to carve out its role in assisting the ANC to renew itself.

As a political home for the youth in the ANC, the league must trace its own history to assess whether it remains on the same course that was set by its founding fathers.

As a useful starting point, you may seek to assess whether your symbols and motto are still relevant in this age.

Those of you who are well versed with the history of the ANC will recall that after 1990 the spokes in the wheel of its logo were increased to reflect the broader unity within the liberation movement.

In the same vein it may be appropriate to review the youth leagues' slogans of "Fight Produce Learn” 

Given that we have entered our 18 years of democracy; we must ask whether it is still sufficient for the youth to see its primary task as fighting, producing and learning.

It is my humble submission that perhaps the time has come for the youth to see its task as learning, producing and defending the gains of their struggle.

 

At all critical historical points, the league has benefitted from conscious and constant questioning of the orthodox, enabling it to respond strategically to the challenges of the time.

Guided by these principles, the Youth League has channelled its radical approaches in a manner that avoids false consciousness born out of the limitations of generalisations and sloganeering.

As I am sure you will agree, the pulsating life of any organisation is dependent on its ability to remain grounded in its principles.

Such grounding is, in turn, dependent upon continuous political education.

It is only through such political education that members of the Youth League can safeguard the values, culture, traditions that have enabled it to be a trusted leader of youth formations in our country.

Thus it is important that as you deliberate on your Programme of Action, you pay sufficient attention towards political education and the role that the ANC Youth League has to play in advancing the National Democratic Revolution.

Remember, that political consciousness is acquired and, of course one has to attend classes in order to gain class consciousness.

Comrades,

It is also important that you identify key strategic tasks for the ANC Youth League today, so that your leadership of the youth movement is focused and effective.

As part of the social strata constituting the motive forces, the youth represent the future, meaning they have to keep pushing the frontiers of change while at the same time remaining open to new ideas.

This dynamism of the Youth League will allow the ANC to remain on its toes as it moves to accelerate socio-economic transformation.

However the stratification of the youth along class, gender and race, amongst others, also represents a challenge to the organisation in many different ways.

It is important therefore, that the ANC Youth League should capture this space by mobilising the youth behind the ANC and thus the National Democratic Revolution (NDR).

It must therefore seek to fashion itself as a non-racial, non-sexiest and multi-class organisation that gives leadership to the youth movement as a whole; without necessarily taking over other organisations.

The ANC Youth League should aim to be the resonance of feeling of all young people across classes and strata in South Africa. This includes those in and outside of employment as well as those in and outside of institutions of learning.  

A key condition of this requires that the youth militate for greater access to education, training and entrepreneurship as the only sustainable way to break the backbone of poverty.

The Youth League will also need to pay closer attention to dealing with inclinations of exclusivity, individualism, greed and other social delinquencies that divide the organisation and threaten social-cohesion in society in general.

Cognisant of South Africa's positioning in a globalised world, the youth must question and seek solutions to the socio-economic challenges facing society today.

Moses Kotane taught us to do proper analyses situations, which will enable us to sum-up (reach an informed conclusion) and proceed to propose possible solution.

This is a profound lesson today as we try to make sense of the developments social upheavals in Europe, USA, Northern Africa and in the Middle East.

Capitalist crisis threatens world peace because it may, in the absence of safely valves and alternatives, result in fascism.

As leaders in these difficult times you must rise to the occasion by remaining united and working together to ensure that the youth remains central in shaping their future.

The Youth League must through its participation make sure that it brings deeper meaning to the understanding that the future cannot be planned without the voice of young people.

Comrades,

Having discussed the various challenges and weighty issues that this Lekgotla must address, let me conclude by returning to one of the most important tasks that society expects you to champion as the vanguard of youth interests; I am referring here to the issue of learning.

Vladimir Lenin argued at the 3^rd All Russia Congress of the Young Communist League in 1920 that:

"... the task of the youth in general, and that of the Young Communist Leagues and all other [progressive] organisations in particular might be summed up in a single word: learn!”

Echoing this sentiment, the first national committee tasked with setting up branches of the ANC Youth League after its unbanning said that:

"The youth can only effectively participate in the liberation of our country and get involved in the building of a democratic South Africa on the basis of totality of knowledge and experience handed over to it by old generations. At the same time young people should not be encouraged merely to copy and assimilate what is handed over to them. They should do so through an investigative and critical approach.

Real education in the struggle on the part of the youth cannot be separated from their independent political involvement. A profound appreciation by the youth of the democratic ideals we are fighting for is better consolidated if verified by their independent experience in the struggle. Autonomy of the league offers the opportunity for the realisation of the boundless resources, energy, enterprise, initiative and the free application of the creative potential of youth.”

To you comrades this alone may be said; learn, learn and learn.

Trusting that this collective is equal to these tasks; I wish you fruitful deliberations, confident that you will emerge from this strategic engagement vibrant and well-equipped to face up to the challenges of our times.

I thank you.

Website: www.thepresidency.gov.za

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Permalink Reply by Linda Howells on February 12, 2012 at 18:55

Years ago (too many to remember) as a teenager I did "work experience" in a High School. I was buddied with another teacher who was assigned to tutor and coach me through my two week structured work experience. At the time all I wanted to do once I left school was to teach. For better or worse, my work experience put me off teaching for life; and although I during my 2nd career I eventually did become a trainer; concerning myself with andragogy and the theories of adult learning; but not the pedogogy of teaching.

For eight years I was lucky enough to work as a workplace training and developmental manager. During this time, I realized that the "work experience" system still exists in the UK. Being responsible for these children's work experience was challenging and rewarding. The system is well co-ordinated between the schools / local government and business. The children have a workbook to complete, enabling their work experience to be a structured learning experience

One of the areas we focused in training  these children was Health & Safety - largely because  it is a generic requirement in all places of work, although contextualized. We also focused on the company induction:- vision, mission, goals etc. as this should be a generic concept in business.

www.learningtrust.co.uk/schools/secondary_schools/work_experience.aspx

www.northyorks.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=12285

I am not sure is this is a possibility in SA - but considering it may be a possibility

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Permalink Reply by len stevens on February 13, 2012 at 8:51

Sylvia, may I please address the concerns of Johannes Mongatane, who has responded positively to my Green Energy Project?

He warns of “Greedy People” who may want to “Steal My Idea”. While I value his concern … I want to say publicly, that I actually want to “Give My Idea Away” to my country – to Create Jobs, Reduce Poverty … and particularly … to Uplift our Youth.

Me? – my own needs are few, and already catered for. Besides – this project is much, much bigger than any single individual – and as the source of the energy is a “natural phenomenon” -- it in no way, “belongs” to me!  

All I’m able to do – and all I want to do – is to “point the way” I’ve figured out, in How To Harness It – and in the process, create millions of jobs, and spell the demise of poverty, for all time!

The “greedy people” Johannes Mongatane warns of, CAN’T STEAL what I’m “Giving Away” – but what they CAN do … and which I fully expect! … is for them to “devise ways and means” to OPPOSE the project!! – To Protect Their Own Interests – which will be “threatened” by the reality of free and abundant green energy!

This is why it’s vitally important that I “Start At The Top”, by asking for a half-hour appointment with our Deputy President, where I’ll explain all he needs to know, to become immediately aware of the reality of the “Source” of the energy involved, and the practical methodologies I’ll outline, which can be used to capture it, and put it to useful work.

And I hope that, at that meeting, he will surround himself with engineers and scientists, who can Only Concur with these realities I’ll lay before them. And also present, I hope, will be the Heads of the various Ministries most closely involved with the implementation – with the progress – and with the forward-sustaining of the project.

Given the gravity of our Unemployment and Poverty situation – and the pressing needs of our Youth – it needs no emphasising that “Time Is Not On Our Side”!! … and once the reality of the project “takes hold” in the fertile minds gathered at the meeting – there will be  NOT the Slightest Reason, to “hold it back”!!  

RESULTS COUNT! – and when you think about it … that’s about the Only Thing that Does Count!

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Permalink Reply by Johannes Mongatane on February 13, 2012 at 9:33

Hi Len, I can help you with the best person to talk to who is in the media and we all work together trying create employment and entrepreneur opportunity together of which they have a special program on Saturdays between 8am and 9am. She also do Current Affairs on Tuesdays. 

If you can get through to this people she can be your solution if you are comfortable to take this root.

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Permalink Reply by Susan Scholtz on February 13, 2012 at 11:30

I agree with most of the comments above. One aspect that has not been adressed is the opportunities the 'green economy' offers prospective job-seekers. There are opportunities of employment starting at the very basic level, which will contribute to sustainable food production. The options are endless and no unemployed should be doing 'nothing'. I particulary agree with the notion that one has to take control of one's destiny. Doing volunteer work provides experience and skills development. Another important action is to ensure that employment agencies 'know' about you and that your skills are 'out there'. Many large corporations offer a variety of internships to interested youth. To demand jobs, will not solve anything and definately not contribute to 'economic freedom'. Another crucial problem is that 'life skills' became a compulsory subject, but very few educators are actually trained to guide learners in aspects to be researched in order to make informed decisions.      

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ContributorPermalink Reply by Cindy Payle on February 14, 2012 at 11:01

Hi Sylvia this is a great topic and I plan on passing along this sound advice to the students who visit our Careers Portal website. I especially enjoyed Shauns comments on taking responsibility instead waiting for others to provide work opportunities, and Des i will be sure to include your practical suggestions.

To add to what has already been said and to answer your question about what Skills-Universe members can do to solve the youth unemployment problem... i have to say that giving advice is important as many young people don't have anyone in their lives to offer direction or guidance. But the change must start with us.This is my challenge to our members. Do you motivate your nieces and nephews? The girl or boy that you see in the supermarket? the young people that cross your path everyday? Do you take time out to encourage the youth in your neighbourhood? most of us know someone who is unemployed, yet we do very little to lift the spirits or provide practical assistance to those closest to us. How can we expect to change the situation in the country if we do not make a difference where we are. I don't believe the solution to the unemployment problem will come with one big bang! It will come slowly, one person at a time...and it starts with us.

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Permalink Reply by len stevens on February 14, 2012 at 14:12

Thank you Johannes, for the support and encouragement! – although I won’t be able to use your useful contact here, for my Green Energy project – the launch of which has to be a “From the Top, Down” endeavour, as I’ve explained.

But most certainly, she has the ‘CLOUT’ to assist us with ANOTHER PROJECT of mine, where we “Lay-People” can Get-Together, and definitely make a positive and “practical difference” to the Future of our Youth – and do it “From the Ground, Up” – so to speak.

First, a DESCRIPTION of the PURPOSE of this “©GRID” PROJECT, as I call it … which is that …

“We Must Become a NATION of TRAINERS – So We Can Become a NATION of LEARNERS!”  

(You may be somewhat “mystified” by that statement … but there’s proof coming up!) 

In pursuit of that lofty goal, I have developed a practical, 5-intermittent-days, “Hands-On” Training Course –– Which Can Achieve That Very Purpose.

And for anyone to participate in my “©GRID” Course – there’s NO previous experience needed, NO educational level required, and NO particular background necessary!  And there’s No lectures, No seat-warming, No “death-by-powerpoint”.

Further, my “©GRID” Course is so powerful, that my Grads can train others “bare-handed” – without needing any “conventional tools” … under a tree, when necessary … with their Learners seated on the ground!!

All the above, is what POSITIONS my Course, way, WAY AHEAD of the “Conventional”, Train-the-Trainer course!

What’s more, I already have 300 Graduates from this Course – and there’s Huge Evidence of its stunning results – readily available to whomsoever wishes to “check it out”. Just ask me!

Now, an EXPLANATION of the USES to which it can be put … and how it will ENABLE the Youth, to take their future firmly into their own grasp …

On the one hand in our country, we speak – rightly – of a “Skills-Shortage”.  And on the other hand, we have 2.8 Million of our Youth, largely “Unskilled” – and Unemployed.

So it’s Glaringly Obvious! … that we desperately need a “Rapid-Response Answer” to this pressing dilemma. And the positive, practical, ANSWER I have, for the Youth, is that …

… we must invite the Remaining “Skilled-People” we have, to take my “©GRID” Course – and Get Themselves QUALIFIED As TRAINERS … so they can “Pass On” their Skills to the Youth … who in the process, will BECOME the “Nation of LEARNERS!” … who are acquiring these ‘donated’ skills.

But That’s Not the End of it!!

There’s EXPONENTIAL GROWTH immediately ahead … when these Youth, who have initially been trained by those “Skilled-People” Trainers, now go on … as Trainers Themselves, Now!! … to train Others of the Youth, in these “New Skills” which they’ve acquired … and who will then Train Others of the Youth – who will train Others, and Others, and Others of our Youth …

And this “exponential-process” will sweep our entire land – in Months, rather than Years!! … (Years which we don’t have!!)

And all of the Youth – starting off with the “Skilled-People” Trainers – will have been trained in how to DESIGN Training for specific outcomes – (in Any Subject Whatsoever!) – and trained in how to PRESENT their Training, in a highly professional manner …

… and ON TOP of all that, they will all have their “LIFE-SKILLS” enhanced, in … self confidence/ public speaking/ attitude control/ self motivation/ leadership/ interpersonal relations/ presentation skills/ goal achievement/ and communication skills.

You will see instantly, Johannes, that all of this training they are “Getting and Sharing” – (in the true Spirit of Ubuntu!) – sets up the Youth to “team together”, and Become Entrepreneurs – and Start Their Own Businesses!

See, Johannes? – We must become a “Nation of Trainers”! – so we can become a “Nation of Learners”! … And I need help – “From the Ground, Up” – to get it going! … and THAT’S WHERE your so-valuable Contact, can throw her weight behind it! – and any others who want to join in!!

Ps – Yes, I’m a Trainer myself … and you can check me out, on “LinkedIn”.

Johannes Mongatane said:

Hi Len, I can help you with the best person to talk to who is in the media and we all work together trying create employment and entrepreneur opportunity together of which they have a special program on Saturdays between 8am and 9am. She also do Current Affairs on Tuesdays. 

If you can get through to this people she can be your solution if you are comfortable to take this root.

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Permalink Reply by Johannes Mongatane on February 14, 2012 at 17:45

Hi Len, I have just forwarded information to them and I will hear what they say and on the other hand if they don't respond in the next 48 hours I will call them to arrange some kind of meeting.

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Permalink Reply by len stevens on February 15, 2012 at 0:06

Thank you, Johannes, for your kind assistance here, with my “©GRID PROJECT”.

And because you are actually “sticking your neck out” on my behalf … I owe you something more, than just MY “Say-So”, about how my “©GRID Course can be used to change the future positively, for our Youth.

Accordingly … to reinforce your faith in me, I append hereunder – (from amongst literally hundreds of testimonial-letters on file, from my Happy  Graduates) – the text of an unsolicited, self-explanatory letter from Kevin Chaplin – Managing Director of both the “South African Ubuntu Foundation Trust” … and the “Amy Biehl Foundation” … here in Cape Town:

“Dear Len – words cannot describe my appreciation and thanks for the “©GRID Training Method Course” you have taken our staff through.  It has exceeded my wildest expectations.

In four days, you have transformed them all; you have performed a remarkable and total change in them. You are an absolutely outstanding star, who has achieved something beyond miraculous.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am so appreciative and grateful, and will be forever singing your praises to all that I can. The “©GRID Training Programme” is excellent – you name it – but it is also you, who are amazing, fantastic, and much more”

Signed, Kevin Chaplin.

Johannes, I trust this Testimonial adds some “muscle” to your efforts to promote this Project – and please do feel free to send on Kevin Chaplin’s comments here, to anyone else you believe may be interested in “coming aboard”, and helping to accelerate the use of the “©GRID PROJECT” to uplift our Youth, toward “SELF-SUFFICIENCY” – which will bring to them a Vision of a New Future … an enduring Dignity … and a Recognition of their own, well-deserved, Self-Worth!

Johannes Mongatane said:

Hi Len, I have just forwarded information to them and I will hear what they say and on the other hand if they don't respond in the next 48 hours I will call them to arrange some kind of meeting.

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