Local Expo closes Youth Month in style

Dozens of residents flocked to the Service and Career Blitz Expo at the Protea Glen Grace Bible church grounds on Friday, June 30.

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They got a chance mingle and interact with different entities on opportunities available to them in entrepreneurship, job and study opportunities.

The initiative by the Protea Youth Crime Prevention Desk, sought to conclude Youth Month commemorations by hosting the event aimed at bridging the gap between young people and various stakeholders offering critical services.

Moses Seaga of the Youth Desk said they were creating opportunities and information accessible to young people in the township, who were often far from opportunities.

He said many young people in the area battled substance abuse and high unemployment which he said could be contributing to the area ranking high for substance abuse.

“We talk of young people being the future pillars of this country but the state of young people especially in the township, paints a grim picture of the reality of our country.

“Young people are idling and don’t know where to go.

“We have found that many of them are talented, skilled or have qualifications but don’t know how to access the right avenues, government departments and organisations that can assist them,” explained Seaga

The event showcased stalls from the NYDA, Tshepo One Million, government departments, Protea Boys and Girls as well as local NGOs and NPOs. In addition, thriving entrepreneurs and small businesses like Thesis and Kota King encouraged young people on how to start their own businesses.

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“We have establishments that have managed to build reputable and sustainable businesses in the township but it is not known how they went about it with so much red tape in accessing funding and business challenges.

“This served as inspiration for young people who wish to start their own thing to seize these opportunities,” he added.

Seaga added that the event was set to become an annual occasion for Youth Month to make a positive contribution to the community, adding that they were looking to bring organisations like SANCA and Copessa for continual engagements with the broader community.

Kamogelo Mgibe, Copessa said that the response by the community indicated the dire need for information and resources.

Mgibe added that the success of the expo would help young people get exposure and awaken their minds.

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“One of our missions is to empower and mobilize communities. Through events like today, we reach people who are in need of such services, especially for the youth, this is where information is shared, opportunities are created for those who wish to seek counselling, rehabilitation for substance abuse, wish to study or looking for employment so we are thrilled that people are out in numbers.”