Salesian Institute Youth Projects October News Update
Author: Salesian Institute Youth Projects
Entering the final quarter of 2021 seems almost surreal as the year flew by at such a speed.
2021 We are Almost There!
Entering the final quarter of 2021 seems almost surreal as the year flew by at such a speed. South Africa has undergone many challenges. Amidst fighting a Covid-19 pandemic that had a severe impact on our economy and on top of that adding injury to insult, South Africa and in particular Kwa Zulu Natal and Gauteng were gripped by a frenzy of looting and arson during July 2021 - the worst scenes of violence seen since the advent of democracy in 1994 – leading to further job losses. As many as 105 000 jobs were at risk as companies counted the cost of the looting and riots in KZN and Gauteng meaning that as many as 1.5 million homes were left without incomes. According to StatsSA, the total overall employment increased by 793 000 compared to a year ago.
There are currently about 10,2 million young people aged 15–24 years in quarter 2 of 2021, of which 33,0% were not in employment, education, or training (NEET).
The Salesian Institute Youth Projects is not letting the damning statistics demotivate us, in fact, it inspires us to work even harder for the youth under our care, and would like to thank all our current funders that are making all of this possible! We are blessed to share some of our programme news with you.
The Learn to Live School is on the Roll
The vocational workshops at the Learn to Live School of Skills have been a hive of activity. In Woodwork donated pallets were planed and shaped into handy foldable tables. Electrical circuits are made in the Electrical workshop and one learner designed an electrical buzzer invention, to display his understanding of electrical circuits. Mouthwatering smells of cooking aromas frequently waft up from Chef Romeo’s Hospitality Kitchen. In the hair salon, visitors are treated to witness the creation of attractive hairstyles and spa-like hair washes accompanied by relaxing head massages. Students have also been gaining practical workplace experience through industry partners in Cape Town such as the Radisson Blue hotel.
Several university students and like-minded people are constantly working and engaging with us. We have some Occupational Therapy students, Social Development students (all from the University of Cape Town), and a Psychology student doing internships or volunteering at the Salesian Institute and at Learn to Live School.
Our Music Department experienced a growth in the number of learners desiring individual music tuition, singing, piano, and trumpet. We are planning to set up space for our Music Department Institute for our music classes and instruments.
Although our choir could not practice this term due to lock-down restrictions, our music is growing from strength to strength. Choir practice will start on 20 September 2021, and we are looking forward to hosting a full musical concert towards the end of November.
Our Project-Based Learning theme for Term 3 was Entrepreneurship, and it has been such a joy to watch our learners interacting and engaging in their lessons.
Our 2022 admission process is under way, and we have experienced a steady flow of applications. The process is being significantly assisted by the scholastic tests we have been fortunate to conduct with the help of a Reading Specialist.
There are several ways to contribute to our programmes. Your support and donation can make the world of difference to these youth.
Read more how to contribute to our programmes
The Waves of Change Programme
The Waves of Change Programme has assisted 3268 people via the Helpdesk from January to date with 136 successfully completing their life skills training and attended training with our maritime partners. The Waves of Change office was able to assist 30% with employment to date, for 2021.
NEETs Employability Programme
The NEETs Employability Programme has seen many developments with the curriculum being streamlined. The students are progressing well through their informal entrepreneurship course. The next phase - to gain workplace experience is planned to start in mid-November and go through to the end of January 2022. We welcome any retail partnerships in Cape Town. To become a partner, please contact our programme facilitator. Email: gabriel.hamuy@salesianyouth.org.za
Welcome to our volunteers!
Our first set of volunteers have arrived from Belgium and France. Francois, Clotilde, and Heloise Veldeken have joined the Salesian family, they will be with us for two years. Their dedication and commitment by "donating" their time and expertise to SIYP is a welcome blessing!
They will provide support to all our programmes, starting off with the NEETs Programme.
Extending a warm Salesian welcome to this young family.
Celebrating Fr Pat Naughton 50th Jubilee
We recently paid tribute to Fr Pat Naughton, our CEO, priest, and friend on his 50th Anniversary of Salesian priesthood.
Quoting Fr Jeffrey Johnson's speech during the commemorations: "Pat, today, remembering 50 years of Salesian priesthood, thank you for the years of dedicated and wonderful service in the Lord’s vineyard, for a good example and the Salesian influence you’ve had on me and on others."
We are blessed to have Fr Pat as our CEO and role model.
