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“The IFPYB welcomes the launch of the new Junior Achievement South Africa (JASA) programme, specifically targeted at creating jobs and upliftment opportunities for youth between the ages of 18 & 25, as we are all aware of the socio-economic plight of youth,” said IFP Youth Brigade National
Chairperson, Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
 
The Out of School Youth Enterprise Development Programme is a 20 session programme over three months, during which students are required to start up and run a business which will be sustainable, through on-going support, mentorship and financing, upon programme completion. The programme includes
site visits, case studies, guest speakers, and an introduction to micro finance, according to JASA.

Hlengwa said; “The high levels of unemployment and the poor quality of our education system compels us all to join forces to make things right, and ease the struggles of young South Africans. This new programme of JASA is
very important because it pays a specific focus on education and skills development, which is sorely needed in our country today to provide a better tomorrow for us all. The IFPYB believes that not only service delivery but
also education and training is require to lead South Africa’s into our second phase of liberation, which is economic liberation.”
 
We have been informed that the objectives of the programme are as follows:
 
1. Equip young people with the necessary skills to establish and grow a
sustainable business,
2. Assist and support participants in actually starting up and running a
small business during the course of the programme,
3. Provide for leadership and life skills training to enable business
success,
4. Raise awareness and direct participants to the resources available to
attract investors and
5. Introduce the students to micro finance institutions and assist them in
accessing of finance and support for the businesses.
 
In a press statement this morning Linda McClure, Managing Director of Junior Achievement South Africa noted that "Youth unemployment in South Africa is one of the highest in the world. Approximately 42% of all young people under the age of 30 are unemployed and only 12% of young people under the age of 24 have a job, compared to 40% in most other developing economies.
 
“On behalf of the IFPYB and all young South Africans I would like to thank JASA for taking youth development seriously through the introduction of this programme which seeks to help young South Africans who are struggling to get by,” concluded Hlengwa.