Kids Haven youth hub opened
“The hub is designed to adequately upskill youth to be in a position where they are more likely to secure and retain employment and business.”
“The launch of the youth hub makes me happy because, as a young person, I now have a place where I can get the help I need,” said Nhlakanipho Thwala.
Thwala was among the many youth who attended the launch of the Kids Haven youth hub on April 1.
“We now have a place where we can get help with job opportunities. I live in a township and because of unemployment and unreliable connectivity, it was difficult to apply for jobs and also expensive. But because of this place, we now have an opportunity,” Thwala said.
The Mayfield resident said the hub offers young people a space where they can meet and bounce ideas off each other and discuss issues that will benefit the country.
“This is a space where, as a young person, I can dream, and with the tools at my disposal, I can realise that dream.
“I want to thank Kids Haven. I have been with them since last year as part of an Early Childhood Programme, which has empowered me. Kids Haven has been a parent to me. I also want to thank them that these programmes didn’t end with us but will also benefit the many young people across Ekurhuleni.”
According to Kids Haven’s youth and skills development manager, Tshepo Brand, the hub will offer 23 modules, a business library and an array of services to equip young people with the skills needed to thrive in life.
“The hub is designed to adequately upskill youth to be in a position where they are more likely to secure and retain employment and business,” he said.
“Among an array of services offered at the hub will be mock interviews in preparation for real ones, putting together a CV and cover letter, sending a professional job application email and awareness of legitimate and available job portals and websites,” Brand said.
The hub will also offer the services of a qualified therapist and social worker to support the beneficiaries dealing with stress and trauma.
“They will offer psychosocial support to the beneficiaries to deal with stress and trauma coupled with regret letters, not knowing when the opportunity for a next job offer will present itself and dealing with past trauma that might be projected in the workplace once employment is secured.”
Brand added they have partnered with business leaders who will roll out micro-business preparations and set up business and financial skills for the beneficiaries. They will also assist with applications for further education training.
Guest speaker Gloria Phashe encouraged the attendees to use the hub because the programmes offered will help them in their lives and careers.
“We have to show these children that we love them. They have to know that you have to work hard for your success. But they’ve been given the wrong impression that one can be successful without effort. It starts with them knowing that if I pass an assignment, this is where I will end up,” she said.
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