#Youth4ServiceImpact – 2022 Volunteer Experiences
In April 2022 we embarked on a journey to pilot the enke: Youth 4 Service Project, a part-time volunteer initiative for young people (18-34 years) designed to build young peoples skills and experience through volunteering. The initiative supports the implementation of the National Youth Service Programme – a component of the Presidential Youth Employment Intervention (PYEI) – in partnership with the NYDA and Jobs Fund.
By July we had registered and activated over 2,800 youth volunteers through 23 host organisations in 4 provinces (Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Limpopo, and Northern Cape), over 20+ communities with more than 60% of participants being female.
The implementation process has been a rollercoaster. As happens with any first time project, there have been many ups and downs as we learned and navigated the administrative challenges of working with thousands of youth and new partners. Admittedly, we haven’t gotten everything right, especially regarding stipend payments and ongoing delays that we continue to work hard to resolve. However, the impact in communities and for youth has kept alive the original intent and purpose of this pilot initiative – to engage youth to be active citizens in their communities, building skills and experience to improve their employability.
Here are a few reflections for our volunteers on the experience and impact of the Y4S Program on their lives and communities so far:
These testimonials about the impact of this special project are energising. In early 2023 we will start closing out the pilot project. We look forward to sharing more reflections and stories of impact that celebrate the amazing work of our Host Partners and youth.
