Gallery Update Video
MOSSEL BAY NEWS & VIDEO - The Junior Youth Council of Mossel Bay added their names to those South African youths who made history by arranging the first joint discussion on youth development in Mossel Bay.
In light of the current unemployment rate in South Africa of 32,6%, especially among the youth as also highlighted by President Cyril Ramaphosa in his comments regarding Youth Day 2021, the JTC was on point with this relevant panel discussion. Prior to the discussion, the participants held a meet and greet at the Dias Museum's Granary Room on 15 June.
The focus of the discussion on 16 June at the municipal council chamber was entrepreneurship.
Yolandi van Aswegen, Youth Coordinator at the Mossel Bay Municipality, one of the facilitators, commended those present for being part of such a memorable occasion on a most historical day.
Photo gallery: JTC Youth day panel discussion
"We today celebrate the youth of 1976. However, as the youth of 2021, we have both the same and different challenges," Van Aswegen said. The panel discussion involved representatives, both learners and educators from all the local high schools including Hillcrest, Indwe and Great Brak secondary schools, Sao Bras and Point high schools as well as private school, Curro Mossel Bay.
The discussion was led by local entrepreneur, small business and training consultant, Herschel Witbooi, CEO of Arion Solutions.
Witbooi, with 20 years' experience in small business development, often consults to the Mossel Bay Municipality and was instrumental in the development of the KwaNonqaba Business Park.
Dr Jopie Coetzee, who has a doctorate degree in business leadership and is currently an online lecturer at Milpark Business School, also shared his expertise as part of the panel.
Watch a video below.
Strategy development
The learners participated actively in a lively discussion that touched on the value of continuous education to obtain skills on an ongoing basis in order to be at the top of your game.
The need for artisans and vocational training was highlighted.
It was also emphasised that perceptions regarding education should change from the typical to the alternative.
The necessity of starting entrepreneurs' clubs at school was tabled. Mentorship and job shadowing was also suggested as a means of exposing learners to a different type of educational experience to make better subject and eventually career choices.
It was strongly suggested that the youth will have to take the lead in changing their own destiny.
In order to capacitate the youth of Mossel Bay and further afield, the JTC arranged to video the discussion and make it available online at www.mosselbayadvertiser.com.
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