Free State PYEI BEEI Phase 4 (IV) EA’s and GA’s Extension. The DBE, Project Managers, Training Coordinators, and Data Management Officers from the nine PEDs organized and attended an Interprovincial Meeting at the Protea by Marriot Hotel, Ranch Resort in Polokwane, Limpopo Province, to ensure the continued effective implementation of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) in South Africa. The meeting also deliberated on conducive solutions to expand youth employment opportunities beyond the basic education sector.
The PYEI, under the banner of the Basic Education Employment Initiative (BEEI), is currently in Phase IV and is set to continue until the end of September 2023. The sector has successfully managed to employ 255,000 youth in public schools. The PYEI-BEEI is assisting the sector to curb unemployment amongst youth, whilst addressing identified learning losses. The initiative also offers training to the participants to prepare them for future career opportunities.
In a presentation by Mr Thabiso Mathipa, an educator from SJ van Der Merwe Technical School, he spoke about the way in which assistance is provided to Education Assistants (EAs) at the school, by ensuring that are equipped with time management skills, and that they demonstrate high levels of professionalism. Mr Mathipa said that, “We do not exclude EAs when we attend staff meetings or briefings because they need to be kept updated on what is happening within the school”.
Ms Kabelo Mabitsela, a beneficiary of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) from the Mogalakwena District in Limpopo Province, said that the initiative has positively impacted her life by providing her with an opportunity to restart her life from scratch after being retrenched and losing her permanent employment status following the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. “When I was called for a PYEI interview, I was overjoyed; I was subsequently appointed with the BCom qualification I have obtained earlier in life. The initiative has brought back my financial freedom as I am currently working in four schools within the Mmapela Circuit,” explained Ms Mabitsela.
During her address, Ms Lala Maje, PYEI-BEEI Project Manager, emphasised that the Department prioritised the advancement and employment of South African youth, and are working tirelessly to ensure that they upskill the hired candidates through this initiative, for them to start their own projects. Ms Maje added that it is crucial for youth to empower themselves and be in the company of people who can assist them to succeed in life. She also stressed the fact that young people need to immerse themselves in reading, as this will broaden their horizons, whilst shaping the way they reason and view life in general.
At the moment there is no news if the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI) Phase 4 will be extended for free state EA’s and GA’s after thier contract expires.
