Youth centre set to catalyse change in lives of Alex’s youth
The Inhlakanipho Youth Empowerment Centre officially opened its doors recently offering a beacon of hope and a myriad of opportunities for the youth of Alexandra.
In an environment where youth face various barriers to education and employment, the recently launched Inhlakanipho Youth Empowerment Centre hopes to serve as a critical resource in addressing the unique challenges and aspirations facing the youth of Alexandra.
Launched on September 27 and sponsored by the Friends of Alexandra, the centre sets the stage for transformative personal and professional development of the township’s youth.
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By providing tailored programs aimed at nurturing essential life skills and career readiness, the centre promises to become a powerful catalyst for change.
Ward 107 councillor Floyd Ngwenya, a founder of the centre, said the inspiration behind it was that while growing up in Alex there were no such centres they could go to when they wanted to do their school work.
“I then thought how about we start a youth centre that is going to assist young people whether in the arts space or for those who want to do their assignments or to apply for jobs but don’t know how to,” Ngwenya said.
Ngwenya said the new centre will be a safe space for the youth and there will be no red tape in the space. “Any young person who has an idea in mind that they want to see coming into life must come to the centre and engage with people who will be there to assist.
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“It is our responsibility to empower them with the tools and resources they need to succeed. With the right support, the future of Alexandra looks brighter than ever,” Ngwenya said.
Ngwenya said young people will have access to a variety of services, from academic support to mentorship opportunities, all geared towards fostering resilience, self-esteem, and ambition.
A closer look at the programmes offered by the youth centre:
• Literacy and academic support: Young people are provided with comprehensive computer literacy training spanning various levels – from basic to advanced. This initiative ensures that they gain competence in essential digital technologies that are vital in today’s fast-paced world.
• Career development: The centre will run workshops on CV writing, job application assistance, and interview preparations, equipping young individuals with the skills they need to navigate the competitive job market confidently.
• 4IR & IT support: Understanding the importance of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), the centre offers skills development workshops in high-demand areas, including coding, IT problem-solving, and digital creativity. These programs enable youth to explore and capitalize on emerging job sectors.
• Application support: Navigating the complex landscape of university and job applications can be daunting. The centre provides guidance, making the application process more accessible and less intimidating for young individuals aspiring to further their education or secure employment.
• Mentorship matching & job shadowing: By fostering mentorship and networking opportunities, the centre connects youth with experienced professionals who can offer valuable advice, inspiration, and real-world knowledge. This initiative helps cultivate relationships that can lead to career advancements and personal growth.
Friends of Alexandra CEO Robin ‘Mkhonto’ Binckes, who sponsored the project said, “we believe in the potential of every young person in Alexandra.
“The centre is a reflection of our commitment to foster growth and progress within the community. Investing in our youth today is an investment in a prosperous tomorrow,” he said.
Local youth also eagerly shared their thoughts on this newfound opportunity. “I’m excited about the programmes offered at the centre. The skills workshops and mentorship opportunities can change my life. I look forward to learning and connecting with people who can help guide my future,” one of the young participants, Andiswa Maawu, said.
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