There are ten practical steps young people can choose from to empower themselves, which include finishing school, college or higher education; learnership or internship; become an entrepreneur; or volunteer time to gain valuable skills and experience.

This was the message from Western Cape Education MEC Cameron Dugmore to a group of about 150 young people from across the province at the annual youth month celebrations of the Western Cape Provincial Legislature today (Tuesday, 24 June).

A Legislature official said the delegates, which represent various organisations, have participated in workshops presented by the Legislature. The theme for this year's Youth Parliament is "Empowering the youth for poverty eradication".

MEC Dugmore said there are so many opportunities for young people today and offered the following ten practical options to consider:

- staying at school and finishing matric
- go to an further education and training (FET) college
- study at an adult education centre
- university
- learnership
- internship
- start a business
- join the army or police service
- study to become a teacher
- volunteer your time

Adult Education and Training remains a key tool in Government's efforts to combat unemployment and poverty. The youth can also play an important role in the Mass Literacy Campaign as they can be trained as volunteers and be equipped to provide basic literacy to communities, said MEC Dugmore.

He urged learners to become teachers, as teachers are always sought after and it is a deeply rewarding career.

MEC Dugmore encouraged youth to be prepared to take risks in starting a business "whilst you still have very little to lose and a lot more to gain".

There are numerous bursaries available for studies and these include:

* the iKapa Elihlumayo provincial bursary;
* the National Student Financial Aid Student (NSFAS) bursary
specifically for learners who want to study in one of the 12 new National Certificate Vocational directions of study; and
* various Technical Colleges Student Aid Trust (TECSAT) bursaries for
specific skills and vocational programmes of study.

For enquiries, contact:
Gert Witbooi
Cell: 082 528 8278
E-mail: gwitbooi@pgwc.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Education, Western Cape Provincial Government
24 June 2008