Bring Back the Youth Jobs Program That Helps Schools
News Summary
South Africa needs to bring back the Basic Education Employment Initiative. This program gave many young people jobs helping in schools, and it must be restarted to fight youth unemployment.
Originally reported by Daily Maverick.
Why It Matters
What was the program?
The Basic Education Employment Initiative gave young people paid work in schools. They helped teachers and supported children who were learning to read. Since 2020, it created over one million job opportunities.
Why is it important?
South Africa's unemployment rate is very high, especially among young people. Many are unable to find jobs and feel hopeless. Programs like this give them income, experience, and a sense of purpose. They also help schools that lack resources. When the program ended, almost 200,000 young people lost these opportunities. The country urgently needs to bring it back and improve it.
What can job seekers learn?
If you are young and looking for work, watch for announcements about this program. You can also get training to become an education assistant or tutor. These roles teach you useful skills like communication, patience, and teamwork. They can lead to careers in teaching, childcare, or other fields. Even if the program is not running yet, you can volunteer at schools or community groups to gain experience.
Skills In Demand
From Live Job DatabaseCareer Tip
"If you are interested in working in education or with children, start gaining experience by volunteering at a local school or after-school program. Look for training courses in early reading instruction or teacher support. Highlight any tutoring or classroom help you have done on your CV."