BCOP
The aim of the conference is to disseminate information about opportunities available for the NEETs (Not in Education, Employment and not in Training) Youth. These are youth who have completed matric but are not admitted at any university or any institution of higher learning, those who passed matric but didn’t obtain Bachelor’s Pass, those who are re-writing matric and those who are taking a gap year to decide on their future plans. The conference took place on the 12th of July 2024 through the collaboration of the University of South Africa- Asset Mapping BCOP Unit, Breaking the Cycle of Poverty (BCOP) and Department of Public Works and Infrastructure who put into operation the planning and support of the conference
BCOP
Tshwane University of Technology: Tech Station in Electronics
TUT offers free skills development programmes in the repair of electronics such as home appliances and cellular phones. Each course is inclusive of a free toolbox related to the type of repairs the student can expect to conduct.
Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone
TASEZ is currently promoting an open call for local entrepreneurs and/or businesses to propose their own Corporate Social Initiative proposals. These proposals will be selected and promoted towards the various stakeholders they interact with.
University of Pretoria
The University graciously assisted in hosting the conference once more. Plans are still in development to connect BCOP with additional stakeholders and facilities that will aid in the needs of the NEETs community.
Keynote Speaker (Ms. Rebatho Modiba)
Ms. Modiba’s primary message aimed to inspire the youth to take firm action in venturing into entrepreneurship. With the powerful quote, “Clarity comes from action, not thought.” Ms. Modiba highlighted the importance of leveraging available resources to overcome the various challenges in the currenteconomic landscape.
The Independent Development Trust (IDT)
expressed particular interest in connecting with unemployed graduates for internship opportunities in the spheres of Built Environment and Project Management. The IDT additionally expressed current development of bursary opportunities for youth interested in studying qualifications in these spheres for 2025.
BCOP
The number of participants has doubled from the first NEET’s Conference to the current. It is evident that there is a dire need for support and assistance of the NEET’s community. It is unfortunate that some participants who could not RSVP on time had to be turned away due to the capacity of the venue. It has however been a beneficial conference to those who were able to attend.
The NEETs conference Chapter 2 2024 was successfully accomplished by all participants including new stakeholders who were present as observers and prospective stakeholders. We would like to greatly extend a hand of appreciation to all participants, exhibitors and stakeholders who took time off their busy schedules to participate in the conference. A special gratitude goes to the University of Pretoria for hosting the event, the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, Ms. Joyce Ntsoko and colleagues for the planning and coordination of the event, Save The Children for proving much needed lunch, and Mr. Siphiwe Nhlangothi from Siyakha Youth Foundation for providing refreshments. Words are not enough to say Thank You.
BCOP
