For Our Youth
#What’sNext?
Within the Afrika Tikkun Cradle to Career model, our Youth Accelerator Programme (YAP) creates a space for youth 18-21 years to assess who they are, who they want to be, and where to start the journey towards their goals. While acquiring technical skills does form part of the programme, the core focus is on personal development as the foundation to propel career and skills development.
Please help our young people discover #What’sNext.
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Within the Afrika Tikkun Cradle to Career model, our Youth Accelerator Programme (YAP) creates a space for youth 18-21 years to assess who they are, who they want to be, and where to start the journey towards their goals. While acquiring technical skills does form part of the programme, the core focus is on personal development as the foundation to propel career and skills development.
Please help our young people discover #What’sNext.
My Story
#What’sNext?
“Afrika Tikkun’s Youth Acceleration Programme (YAP) was the best starting point because it helped me mature, grow and prioritise what’s important to me. It was a springboard to better things. After YAP, I completed Afrika Tikkun’s Career and Development Programme and then the accelerated Work Readiness Programme. I’m now about to start working, to start living my economically independent life.” – Njabulo Mthombeni
“Afrika Tikkun’s Youth Acceleration Programme (YAP) was the best starting point because it helped me mature, grow and prioritise what’s important to me. It was a springboard to better things. After YAP, I completed Afrika Tikkun’s Career and Development Programme and then the accelerated Work Readiness Programme. I’m now about to start working, to start living my economically independent life.” – Njabulo Mthombeni
Help them to discover their potential
Without the structured learning systems of school, without job opportunities, and without clear direction about how or if they should pursue tertiary education, the big wide world can be a scary place. This period where youth are expected to go from simply being a legal adult to the actual practice of adulting requires self-direction, strategic decision-making and lots and lots of grit.
Some of our YAP graduates.
Siphamandla Mndebele
In addition to helping Siphamandla think outside the box, the YAP programme offered him computer skills which he used to apply for jobs and learnership positions. In particular, he loved the debating aspect of the programme. “It helps you tackle issues you will face in your career path,” says Siphamandla, who is currently an Alumni Leader at Afrika Tikkun.
Neo Setjie
The YAP programme helped Neo to write compelling CVs and motivational letters, and perform well in interviews. It also improved her communication and public speaking skills. She is currently studying for a BA in Business Admin, and completing her Work Readiness course at Afrika Tikkun Services (ATS).
Thina Moloi
Through YAP, Thina discovered her passion for sign language and started her own company, Bridge the Gap, teaching basic sign language and deaf awareness training. “Thank you Afrika Tikkun for this inspiring initiative,” Thina says. “I didn’t know who I was, and what to do with my life post Matric. Now I have direction; YAP was like a compass in my life.”
Mawande Mahlangu
Sharpening his debating skills was a highlight for Mawande during the YAP programme. “The ability to speak is so powerful and you only recognise it when you have to put a point across to someone who is opposed to it,” he says. “Overall, YAP will help you find yourself and your strong points, which will lead to you find what’s best for you and your life.”
Onthatile Mohuba
Onthatile joined the YAP programme in 2020. Going into the programme she expected it to be only a work environment but instead, the experience shaped her career decisions and direction. “It was a life saver and helped me to discover who I am and how to do what I love,” says Onthatile, who now works as an usher and vaccine administrator at Afrika Tikkun’s Uthando Centre.
Njabulo Mthombeni
Njabulo sees YAP as a programme where everyone gets to navigate their skills (whatever the skills may be) and prove themselves. According to Njabula, “you start small and then grow big, almost like a baby. Through this programme, you become the person you want to be and you find yourself on the right path.”