Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development (YLED) impart life skills for success and develop the entrepreneurial spirit amongst in-school pupils and out-of-school youths from historically disadvantaged and urban communities, preparing them for the future.
They are expected to bring forth innovative ideas and launch businesses or build solid careers that contribute to economic revitalization, reduction of poverty and youth unemployment.
With life skills, leadership and entrepreneurship training and ongoing support, these young people can soon be driven to achieve academic, career and entrepreneurial success.
This will see them supplementing their income and even supporting themselves full-time through their new enterprises.
The organisation is led by Faith Moeletsane as their programme leader, Tebang Ntasa as the project manager, Solly Savhuli as their leadership skills leader, Thabo Serame as their entrepreneurship leader and Jeremy Afrika as their financial director.
“As the financial director, I have also benefited from the programme previously.
“This organisation has not only benefited the community through skills development but through a lasting mentorship that also assists youth in positive decision making,” said Afrika.
Their programme for this year is supported by 12 YLED Alumni Project Team and up to 30 volunteer facilitators, coaches and mentors.
It is divided into three sections mainly life skills, leadership skills and an entrepreneurship challenge.
“We have also started a partnership with Westbury Secondary School and 15 other Johannesburg schools in the area in which 70 Grade 11 pupils have already joined the programme,” said Afrika.
How anyone interested can get involved:
- Sponsoring a YLED programme or pupil
- Host a YLED participant for work exposure and mentorship
- Assist them in raising funds
- Volunteer time and skills by mentoring, coaching or facilitating a session.
To get in touch with the organisation you can find them on Facebook as Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development or via Twitter as @yledsa.