Empowering the Youth: Purposed Youth Summit at Sammy Marks Square
The Elam Empowerment hosted an event titled the “Purposed Youth Summit” at Sammy Marks Square, aimed at addressing the escalating unemployment challenges facing young people in the city each year.
The event was hosted by Siphesihle Ndwandwe, the founder and executive director of Elam Empowerment, who raised concerns about the lack of information for young people aged 20-35.
The event showcased a series of talks delivered by individuals who have achieved remarkable success, surpassing obstacles along their paths.
The speakers candidly shared the unique journeys they undertook and provided valuable insights, aiming to motivate attendees to explore diverse opportunities available to them.
Ndwandwe stated that the event’s goal was to empower and inspire unemployed young people through the various programmes offered at the event.
The event hosted a wide range of speakers, encompassing entrepreneurs and representatives from local organisations, who provided skills development opportunities tailored for youth living in township communities.
The event was also attended by the National Research Foundation (NRF), which shared information about funding opportunities for postgraduate students in their research.
In her address, Ndwandwe said that she hosted the summit because she is passionate about building the nation.
She believes that the country holds immense potential and richness. Sadly, it’s disheartening to see talent lost or wasted.
“This is one of the ways we are working to build our nation, rather than just to lose hope,” said Ndwandwe.
The speakers assisted unemployed participants in exploring alternative pathways to success and potential job opportunities aligned with their qualifications.
They also shared their success stories and strategies for seizing significant opportunities, such as establishing a business.
“The Summit aims to introduce the 3-month incubation program that we will be guiding the attendees through,”
“We will provide them with practical skills and assist them in setting up if they choose the employment route, including crafting CVs and enhancing job readiness in practicals, rather than focusing on theoretical concepts, which they often encounter. If they choose entrepreneurship, we will support them with tools and skill sets,” added Ndwandwe.
Elam Empowerment is seeking to partner with SETA to assist in launching people’s businesses.
“The NRF provides funding for research projects, supports the development of new technologies, and promotes international collaboration in research,” said Nompendulo Sibiya, the NRF Communications Officer.
“In South Africa, We have honours, Masters, and PhD. They are funded, and some even have the opportunity to be exposed to international opportunities,”
“The agency also manages various research programmes, including the Basic Science Research Programmes and the Creative Economy and Innovation Programmes,” added Sibiya.
Ndwandwe has expressed gratitude to the City of Tshwane, which partnered with her organisation by providing the venue.
