In the previous year, the General Household Survey revealed that almost three out of 10 learners aged 18 years (29,3%) and 4 out of 9 (46,3%) of 19-year-olds had dropped out of secondary school.
According to Statistics South Africa (StatsSa), the majority of 20-year-olds were not in the education system, with approximately 23% in tertiary institutions, while 18% were still attending high school.
Taking these numbers into consideration, some experts have highlighted that learners drop out of schools due to illness and disability, poor academic performance and also a lack of money for fees, just to mention a few.
This is where organisations such as 'What Do You Have In Your Hands' come up with solutions to help adults that were not able to complete their secondary education, by providing them with guidance and a second shot at life, through their holistic approach.
The Non Profit Organisation's Founder and Director, Celeste Bredenkamp, has shared with Careers Portal that the organisation targets women who are in need of an education or skills development opportunity.
“Even if you have failed matric, there is chance for you to take another shot you will need to dust yourself off and get up, do something about your life," said Celeste.
"Even though you failed matric, my advice is to pick yourself up, keep moving and make changes in your life as it all starts with you. It's not how you start the race, but how you finish it," said Celeste.
The NPO prides itself in its first beneficiary that is currently a Hairdressing student at a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College, as the organisation is financially assisting this student.
TVET Colleges have NCV qualifications that a prospective student that does not have a matric certificate may take advantage of.
As part of the minimum qualifying criteria, students need to have at least passed grade 9 or an equivalent qualification.
Whilst speaking to Careers Portal, Department of Higher Education and Training Media Liaison Officer and Spokesperson, Ishmael Mnisi pointed that individuals may also research more on the non-academic programmes that are being offered by the Sector Training and Education Authority (SETA) system in the department’s official website.
Amongst many options to explore, Higher Education established Community Education and Training to target post-school youth and adults who wish to raise the bar for further learning, improve their skills for employability and/or progression to opportunities in institutions of higher learning.
As matric learners near the end of the final year examinations, these are some of the options that they may explore as means to gain skills or even take up the opportunity for a matric rewrite, should they not be happy with their results.
If you are interested in joining this Cape-Town based organisation, you may send an email to [email protected] or alternatively contact Celeste on 083 329 5139.
