26/11/2015: Recognition of City efforts on youth empowerment welcomed
The City of Johannesburg on Thursday, 26 November 2015, welcomed recognition of its efforts to harness the power of the youth to drive sustainable economic growth in the metropolitan.
This is after research and analysis by The Economist, commissioned by the Citi Foundation, placed Johannesburg among 35 cities around the world that are effectively and aggressively harnessing the power of the youth to drive sustainable economic growth.
The findings are contained in a report titled “Accelerating Pathways: Youth Economic Strategy Index 2015 – A Decision Maker’s Tool for Advancing Young People Opportunities in Cities”.
Johannesburg Executive Mayor, Cllr. Parks Tau described the recognition as “a welcomed development as indeed Johannesburg is well aware of the need for significant reforms in education, entrepreneurship skills development and job training to empower young people in our current economic environment”.
“This informs our investments in these areas and we hope that more young people stand up to take up the many opportunities that the Vulindlel’eJozi youth programme is breaking down barriers for them to access,” Mayor Tau said.
The programme launched in June 2015 aims to reach up to 200 000 young people who are set to benefit from various opportunities that include entry-level job training and placement, online further education and training, as well as entrepreneurship skills development.
Mayor Tau said: “Joburg is a city where the young lead the call for transformation, demanding the opportunity to work, to improve their lives, and become the best of what they wish to be.”
“We are a city that knows that with just a little help, our youth are not the challenge some think them to be, but our greatest asset,” the Mayor said.
Ends
Issued by:
Phindile Chauke
Mayoral Communications
