It is during this time, in perfect conjunction with 2023's theme, that SOS Children's Villages highlights the importance of more profound and more meaningful collaboration and investment in equipping the youth with the necessary knowledge and skills to develop into independence.

"The challenges faced by our youth require urgent and bold interventions that can make a real difference in their lives, families and communities. Through the various partnerships we have established over the years, SOS Children's Villages provides its young programme participants with several opportunities such as mentorship programmes and entrepreneurial training," says Peter Kotlolo, SOS Children's Villages national projects coordinator and acting programme director in Sekhukhune.

Through its YouthCan! programme, SOS Children's Villages aims to provide children under its care with career guidance, mentorship programmes and practical on-the-job experience to contribute to the sustainable livelihood and resilience of young people so that they can be self-reliant.

According to the village, through its corporate partnerships, its YouthCan! participants receive professional training opportunities in the beauty, hospitality and art industries, and they also get:
  • learnerships
  • internships, and
  • job-shadow opportunities.

The village adds that another youth-orientated programme is YouthLinks. Here, the programme participants — young people, are linked with seasoned mentors from different sectors who can provide them with support and guidance in their career paths. The limitations posed by their geographical locations are overcome by technological interventions to ensure that the programme participants participate in the training and mentorship programme.

Each of the programme locations has a youth development coordinator responsible for providing young people with the support they require to ensure that our youth development programmes improve the lives of young people.

It is only through a concerted effort from civil society organisations, the private and commercial and government sectors' collective and collaborative commitment that South Africa's young people can be equipped with the necessary skills to ensure that they are self-sufficient and contributing members of society.

SOS Children’s Villages concludes that it is committed to alleviating the burden of unemployment faced by today's youth.

For more information, visit www.sossouthafrica.org.za. You can also follow the SOS Children's Villages on Facebook or on Twitter.