Mobilising Future Careers for South Africa's Youth

Dear AVA Friend

Since my last report, the Mobile Career Café (MCC) reached 109 more marginalised young people (16-30 years) in 3 communities – Worcester, Mfuleni and Caledon - with career and work readiness training. The majority of the youth (60%) were out-of-school youth, and mainly females (68%). 

Young women are more likely to be unemployed, than their male counterparts in South Africa. We also know that many of these unemployed women are mothers who find it challenging to make ends meet to sustain their children.  "Sustainable livelihoods" is a new module we added to the MCC programme in communities where it is needed.  Mfuleni township is such a community that suffers from high unemployment amongst youth and the MCC was invited to run workshops to young, unemployed adults in the area.   The majority of participants - 71% - were female. The new workshop on sustainable livelihoods through food gardening was very well received. “I have planted the spinach seeds you gifted us at the MCC and it has grown beautifully. I water them daily. I am also going back to school because of your workshop. Don’t stop, you are making a difference in our lives” was the reflection from Zolisa Mficane, a few weeks after she attended the MCC at Mfuleni.

This was not the only positive results from the MCC at Mfuleni.  Figure 1 provides further evidence just how much growth happens in knowledge acquisition and skills development through the MCC workshops. You can view the graph in one of the attached images.

When you see these results, I hope you are filled with a sense of joy, knowing that your gift (donation)  towards the Mobile Career Café is the reason Zolisa’s life was impacted. It's not the only positive results achieved, but focussing on Mfuleni in this report, paints a clear picture of the value of the MCC in providing much needed work and career guidance to young people in underserved communities.  I would like to echo Zolisa's words … “don’t stop, you are making a difference”.

From 25 - 28 March 2025, GlobalGiving is running the LittleXLittle campaign where they match donations to the MCC of up to $50, on their platform.  If you are able to donate again towards the Mobile Career Cafe, it will be immensely appreciated.

Thank you, again.

Regards,

Janine