More education-focused initiatives needed to support South Africa’s youth
2023 marks the 47th anniversary of the June 16th Soweto and other related uprisings. This year National Youth Day and Youth Month are celebrated under the theme: “Accelerating youth economic emancipation for a sustainable future”.
The Association for Educational Transformation (ASSET) believes that education is a pathway for economic growth and the development of a highly productive workforce. But we recognise that from birth to the final year of high school, young people in South Africa face unique challenges, from literacy and numeracy skills which form the foundation of a child’s future development and learning ability.
ASSET remains at the forefront of addressing some of these challenges to improve the quality of life of previously disadvantaged youth in our country.
“We are passionate about education and firmly believe it can transform lives. Our vision has been the same for the past 20 years, to allow students, especially learners from previously disadvantaged communities, to enjoy equal access to secondary and higher education and the world of work and we call on Government and partner organisations to support the upliftment of education in South Africa,” Busisiwe Maqubela, Executive Director at ASSET on the importance of education to uplift and empower the youth.
ASSET has continued to expand its Learner Development Programme and Enrichment Programme to benefit more than 10 000 learners from vulnerable and disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape.
Many young people living in under-resourced communities do not have access to quality education. To address this issue, ASSET provides learners in grades 8 to 12 with the necessary tools and resources to succeed, particularly in Science, Technology, and Mathematics (STEM), including robotics.
“Investing in STEM education for young people in vulnerable communities is essential in creating a successful future for developing more sustainable communities,” adds Maqubela.
This Youth Day, ASSET celebrates the learners in their programmes who strive to be top achievers in their schools, especially those facing adversity and challenges in their communities, yet they continue to rise and shine for a more bright and prosperous tomorrow.
Join ASSET’s vision to transform the quality of education and the future of our youth in South Africa.
Read more about ASSET’s programmes at https://www.asset.org.za