This year marks the beginning of the second decade since Nelson Mandela’s passing, yet his belief in the transformative power of education remains as influential as ever. Madiba’s legacy, grounded in the significance of education, continues to inspire efforts to uplift and empower individuals and communities.
As we observe Nelson Mandela Month and Nelson Mandela Day, we at Boston City Campus acknowledge how education can address current challenges, particularly the unemployment crisis faced by South Africa’s youth.
Unemployment Crisis
The youth of today, who represent the leaders of tomorrow, are grappling with an alarming unemployment crisis. The struggle to enter the workforce is a stark reality for many young South Africans. Education, however, has the potential to significantly increase employability.
Programmes run by Boston such as the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) are essential as they provide practical experience, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and the demands of the job market. These programs make graduates work-ready and give them exposure to a workplace as well as expected workplace behaviours.
Harnessing Employability of SA Youth
Boston City Campus offers Graduate Support Services (GSS) to assist students in navigating their career paths. These services are designed to enhance employability by providing resources such as CV writing workshops, job search assistance, and networking opportunities.
Implementing Madiba’s Vision
Nelson Mandela envisioned education as a powerful tool to change lives and uplift communities. Understanding that communities are under resourced, and that matching interests to careers enhances academic and job success, Boston City Campus offers a free and online career interest assessment.
Role of Education
By equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed, we can break the chains of unemployment. Mid-year registration at Boston City Campus provides an opportunity for students to embark on their educational journey without waiting for the traditional academic year to start.
This flexibility ensures that more individuals can access education and, subsequently, employment opportunities.
Role of Tertiary Institutions
Private tertiary institutions like Boston City Campus play a critical role in addressing unemployment and preparing students for the workforce with in-demand workplace skills and traits The Graduate Support Services (GSS) and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) programmes are designed to handhold students into their first job.
Also by staying attuned to the evolving needs of the job market, Boston City Campus ensures that its curriculum remains relevant and that graduates are well-prepared to meet those needs.
Challenging the Status Quo
By challenging the status quo and embracing innovative methodologies, such as online learning, Boston City Campus is making education more accessible and adaptable to the needs of students who are financially disadvantaged and geographically spread. Mid-year registration options further emphasise this commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, allowing students to pursue their educational goals at their own pace.
Ari Katz, CEO of Boston City Campus, emphasises, "Education is the key to breaking the cycle of unemployment and empowering our youth to achieve their full potential. By providing practical skills and continuous support, we can make a significant impact on their future and the future of our nation."
