According to Youth Capital’s research, 6 in 10 young people had found earning and learning opportunities through someone they knew.
While social networks have the power to connect young people with opportunities, information and resources, a number of young people are excluded.
In fact, 7 in 10 young people have fewer than three connections to give advice on learning and earning opportunities.
‘As we transition into the world of work, we inevitably leverage our social networks for access, information and support - this makes an impact on the opportunities we are exposed to and ultimately where we end up professionally. Who you know matters, and #StandUp aims to make social connections more visible and intentional’ says Kristal Duncan-Williams, Project Lead at Youth Capital, an advocacy campaign tackling youth unemployment.
Youth unemployment is a deepening issue in South Africa, with nearly 9 million young people who are not in employment, education or training opportunities. Even though there is a plethora of interventions in place, South Africa hasn’t been able to shift the needle on unemployment; the crisis is layered in a number of systemic challenges.
While the youth unemployment crisis is layered in a number of systemic challenges that are beyond our control, actively sharing social networks gives everyday South Africans the chance to make an impact in the lives of young people around them
How To #StandUp For Young People
Individuals can sign up for the #StandUp campaign during the month of May and join a community of people who want to make an impact by connecting and sharing their social circles. From 5 June, participants will receive a weekly mailer with ideas of actions they can take with young people around them.
For the second iteration of the campaign, Youth Capital has joined hands with Greenpeace South Africa, Eh!woza, Amathuba Collective, Bulungula Incubator and South African franchise The Sneaker Shack.
The organisations are all signatories of Youth Capital’s Action Plan, Youth Capital’s blueprint for a collective response to tackle the youth unemployment crisis through the prioritisation of systemic roadblocks that need to be addressed.
We are excited to have partnered with organisations whose work reflects a deep commitment to promoting youth empowerment, well-being and economic productivity in South Africa
The campaign includes a multimedia film, which will be launched on Youth Day through screenings across the country.
