Mobilising Future Careers for South Africa's Youth

South Africa has the largest prison population in Africa with almost 30% of the approximately 150 000 inmates in SA correctional centres, under the age of 35 years.  Young offenders have the opportunity to further their education and obtain a skill while in prison, ranging from agriculture, electrical work, computers, plumbing and carpentry. 

This year, the Mobile Career Café had the opportunity to visit 3 correctional centres – 2 in the Eastern Cape and 1 in the Western Cape.  Some reflections from the offenders who attended the MCCs, confirm the importance of programmes that allow them to grow and change:

• “I learnt that I can turn my life around, chances are there to be employed”
• “I discovered that there are a lot of careers and this came at a time when I had lost hope”
• “I had no idea how to draft a CV and through this I got the knowledge to do it”
• “I got a chance to express myself, an opportunity to talk about myself and I enjoyed that.”
• “I liked the example of the long queue for a job. It gave a clear picture on the youth unemployment situation”
• “The workshops helped prepare us for life after prison. It is good to know there are people who still care about us and what we will do with our lives”
• “It is important to continue to learn new things and kill the criminal mentality”.

The team of social workers at St Albans correctional centre reflected that the MCC "is different from all other programmes. It is very strategic in choice of activities, content and execution by a young, energetic and well trained team of facilitators. Everything presented is relevant, interesting and interactive. This is most likely the first time the offenders really received proper career guidance. It motivates them to seek work and is a great starting point for reintegration in the community, once released. The facilitators are vibrant, friendly with everyone and engages with all the offenders. The MCC team manages to keep the offenders captivated and retain their interest from start to finish. It is rare to see this level of engagement of offenders in a programme”.

After the visit to Kirkwood correctional centre, the social work manager said “the programme was interactive and engaging.  Offenders were very participative and really enjoyed the content. Many felt they learned a lot and acknowledge the mistakes they made during applications and work interviews. Correctional officials felt they would have wanted to attend such a training as well.  Hoping this is the start of a beautiful relationship with your organisation”.

Sadly, South Africa also has one of the highest re-offending rates.  AVA believes that young offenders deserve proper career guidance and work-readiness programmes to increase their employability, when released. Helping youth navigate challenges they face in becoming productive citizens can help break the cycle of reoffending. 

The Mobile Career Café continuous to affect the future of young people positively, irrespective of their context.  Thank you for your support in making this possible.