Empowering the future: Sappi’s initiatives for youth advancement
In South Africa, where youth unemployment is alarmingly high, Sappi SA has made youth development a key focus.
With 60.7% of young people aged 15-24 and 39.8% of those aged 25-34 unemployed, Sappi’s commitment to equipping communities with essential skills is vital for building thriving societies and benefiting the nation. It starts at an early age. As Sappi aligns with UNSDG4: Quality Education, it emphasises Early Childhood Development (ECD) to foster long-term success.
With 14,000 children already benefiting from teacher training through partner organisations Penreach & TREE a ‘Follow the Child’ tracking initiative is planned, which will provide greater insights into the positive outcomes and social impact of this initiative.
The Sappi Abashintshi Youth Leadership Development Programme, based on the asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, mobilises youths to leverage community opportunities. There are 91 active Abashintshi who continue to provide ABCD training and who arrange holiday programmes and sports and recreation activities in their communities.
Individuals with strong entrepreneurial acumen, are mentored and guided by the Sappi ESD team to look at ways to grow into business owners.
Building on the power of sport, Sappi also introduced the #EmpowerHer Community Programme, focused on uplifting young women through actively participating in a netball league and training individuals to become accredited Level 1 netball coaches and umpires. It aims to build self-esteem, courage, and character among participants, encouraging them to gain confidence and step into leadership and advocacy roles within their communities.
Youth NGO loveLife, addresses some crucial topics like teenage pregnancy, period poverty and ways to combat violence against women and girls.
Sappi offers bursaries and scholarships for talented and innovative young South Africans who are interested in exciting careers with the company, particularly in the engineering, forestry and pulp and papermaking disciplines.
Between 350 and 400 trainees per year participate in various technical vocation programmes, with a 90% retention rate for graduates, diploma-holders, process trainees and apprentices.
The Sappi Skills Centres offer vocational skills training and learning opportunities for local youths. Programmes include handyman training, basic engineering courses, and apprenticeships, empowering them to start businesses or find employment.
Sappi also partnered with the NBI and established an Installation, Repair, and Maintenance hub at the Umfolozi TVET College’s Mandeni Campus, which has seen 43 competency certificates issued to the individuals who received technical and compliance upskilling.
Sappi is committed to empowering community members with essential life skills, knowledge, confidence and employment opportunities. This empowers the youth to enhance their own abilities and progress in their personal and professional lives. By fostering the growth of vibrant communities, Sappi contributes positively to the nation’s well-being, which also benefits the company.
