​Qaqambile Mdledle
Tshepo 1 Million programme continues to provide young people in townships with skills development, employment opportunities and entrepreneurship development to provide them with hope for the future.
In an effort to assist more young people get into the mainstream economy, Gauteng Government has under Tshepo 1 Million intervention initiated regional youth development and youth expos in selected locations across all 5 regions in the province.
The outreach programme started in Sedibeng region, where young people were encouraged to look beyond their challenges in their environment and find solutions to benefit everyone.
The programme is aimed at empowering one million young people through skills training, job placement and entrepreneurship development, which in turn helps the youth to find sustainable jobs.
Each Regional Youth Expo event includes a Youth Booth Movement; this is where young people are encouraged to share their struggles and solutions
Daniel Kamas is one of many Tshepo 1 Million beneficiaries, was placed into an apprenticeship as part of the skills development component of the programme.
"I had been looking for work for a while without success, but through Tshepo 1 Million my hope was restored," said Kamas.
He said the skills he gained through the apprenticeship helped him in his current job, and that the programme is doing a great job in closing the gap between employers and job seekers.
"I am really thankful to them and I hope they keep doing the great job of changing the lives of youth in our country," he said.