Rural eScabazini youth empowered with skills

MORE than 50 students studying at Scabazini Youth Academy graduated from the programme launched by the government to empower young people from rural areas with skills.

This programme was established after Umfolozi FET College formed a partnership with the Department of Social Development in 2013, and Friday, 20 June saw the students reaping the fruits of their hard work.

The graduation ceremony, attended by the Social Development MEC Weziwe Thusi, was made to coincide with 16 June Youth Day commemoration.

These young people who were chosen from various municipalities in uMkhanyakude District are proud FET certified bricklayers, plumbers, carpenters and welders after they spent three months at this academy.

This initiative is aimed at equipping young people with life skills enabling them to be self-sustainable so that they can stay away from anti-social behaviour.

Thusi said, ‘I am happy to help these young people from disadvantaged backgrounds obtain skills. This programme also greatly benefits those who come to the academy without matric as they get skilled in different trades which will increase their chances of finding employment.’

Thusi further encouraged the young people to learn from the youths of 1976, who put their lives at stake for the young people of today to receive quality education, and live in a free society.

College Assistant Director, Curriculum Services Phindile Nsibande said the college has its doors open for such initiatives since educating the youth is its top priority.

‘We congratulate the graduates for their hard work. We are glad to be making such a positive difference in the lives of the young people.’

Since its inception, 96 people have graduated from the academy with the 50 graduates being the third group.