The panel discussion took place in Sandhurst and saw Gillard head the panel which included Yusuf Randera Rees, CEO of the Awethu project; Refiloe Seseane, founder of the 18twenty8 initiative; and Maryana Iskander, chief executive of Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, among.
Gillard, chancellor of the Ducere Foundation and chairperson of Global Partnership for Education, stressed the importance of finding ways to enhance education across the world, especially among the youth.
The foundation works with local governments and foundations to improve the quality of public education in Southern Africa.
“It’s important to give people the necessary skills needed to create employment and allow them to navigate their way through a world that’s ever-changing,” she said.
She also spoke of the need to kick-start global demand for good and services, following recent economic events, as this would create an environment of job opportunities for young people who often find it hard to get employment.
Esther Benjamin, CEO of Monash SA, highlighted the need for such conversations.
“By facilitating important conversations on education’s link to building robust economies and skilled marketplaces, we strive to be a leading change agent in South Africa and beyond,” she said.
Other points also touched upon included the need for students to pursue academic excellence, along with cultivating essential life and personal skills for employability and entrepreneurship.
The panellists also spoke of the need to mentor young people and encourage them to pursue worthy courses that will help in getting employment.
The foundation also publishes books written by African children which are distributed to other children around the world.
