15 Feb YLED 2023 Graduation: Forging Ahead Towards a Bright Future

In its 19th year, Youth Leadership and Entrepreneurship Development (YLED) marked another significant milestone as it hosted the 17th YLED Programme Graduation on October 28, 2023. With the theme of #forgeahead and a powerful social cause, #endperiodpovertynow, the 2023 cohort was aptly named #weriseup. This year’s graduation was a testament to the unwavering commitment of YLED to empower South African youth through education, entrepreneurship, and social impact.

Diverse Cohort, Transformative Journey

The YLED 2023 Programme brought together 62 grade 11 learners from 18 high schools across Greater Johannesburg in Gauteng, South Africa. These schools represented a diverse cross-section of South African society, including township, urban, and private schools. The 30-week program aimed to equip these young participants with essential life skills, leadership skills, and entrepreneurship skills. It featured 13 weeks focused on life skills, 2 weeks on leadership skills, and 15 weeks dedicated to entrepreneurship education.

These statistics are not mere numbers; they represent a nation’s youth, each with dreams and aspirations. The diversity of backgrounds, races, and family settings reflects the potential for unity and progress. It’s not about where they come from; it’s about where they can go.

Key Insights from the Cohort

This year’s cohort was an inspiring mix of talent, determination, and diversity:

• Age: The majority (61%) of participants were 16 years old, with 29% aged 17, 8% at 18, and 2% at 19.
• Race: The cohort represented the rich diversity of South Africa, with 96% Black, 2% Coloured, and 2% Indian.
• Family Setting: Participants came from varied family backgrounds, with 43% from homes with both parents, 35% from single-mother households, 10% from single-father households, 8% from grandparent-led homes, and 4% from extended family setups.
• Guardian Employment Status: Nearly half (49%) of the cohort had employed guardians, 25% had unemployed guardians, 16% had self-employed guardians, and 10% had guardians earning a grant.
• Entrepreneurship Intent: The program had a positive impact on the participants’ entrepreneurial aspirations. Before the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge (YEC), 90% agreed that being an entrepreneur would bring great satisfaction. After the YEC, this number increased to 91%.

These young people are the future of South Africa. Their readiness to embrace entrepreneurship and their preparedness to start a viable business are signals of hope. They are the seeds of innovation and change, ready to sprout and grow.

Empowering Young Entrepreneurs

A core component of the YLED Programme is the Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge, where three young leaders were voted into coveted leadership roles, each managing a mini-enterprise. The goal was to turn business ideas into viable, profit-generating ventures. Unarine Ralinala, from a private school, led her company Khanyisa to remarkable success, setting a new YEC Enterprise Award record with R131,000 in sales. This achievement showcased the transformative power of entrepreneurship education.

Unarine’s story is a beacon of what can be achieved with the right support and education. Her success is not an exception; it’s a possibility for all young South Africans. The YEC Enterprise Award records being broken highlight that excellence is within reach when young people are given the tools and opportunities they need.

Inspiration and Encouragement

The graduation ceremony featured Dr. Bongani Mageba, who delivered a powerful message aligned with the theme of forging ahead. He encouraged the young participants to make wise choices, focusing on fundamentals, competence, genuineness, and interest.

Dr. Mageba’s words remind us that personal growth and entrepreneurship success are not limited by circumstances but by choices. South Africa’s youth have the potential and the power to make the right choices, and programs like YLED are guiding lights on their path.

Parental Reflection and Appreciation

Eric Ralinala, a parent, shared valuable insights on his journey of supporting his daughter Unarine during her participation in the program. He acknowledged the lessons he learned about his daughter, the program, and the challenges faced by South Africa’s youth from less privileged communities.

Eric’s experience underscores the importance of family support and involvement in youth development. It’s a reminder that the journey to success is often a collective effort.

Recognition and Gratitude

YLED Founder and Chairperson, Steven Zwane, expressed heartfelt gratitude to all involved in the success of the YLED 2023 Programme. He thanked the cohort, parents, teachers, partners, volunteers, coaches, mentors, and supporters. Special recognition was given to partners, including GIBS, African Bank, FNB Volunteers, MaZwane Foundation, and individual contributors like Bhavin Lala, Busi Dube, and Zellah Fuphe.

The heartfelt appreciation is a call to unity and collaboration. It’s a recognition of the power of working together to uplift South Africa’s youth. It’s an acknowledgment that positive change requires a community effort.

Continuing the Journey

As the YLED 2023 graduates embark on their future endeavors, they carry with them the invaluable lessons, skills, and experiences gained through the program. YLED’s mission to empower South African youth through education, entrepreneurship, and social impact remains unwavering. The organization looks forward to continued partnerships and support from organizations like GIBS and African Bank, ensuring the sustainable transformation of the next generation.

Their journey is just beginning, and the impact they can make is immeasurable. YLED’s mission to empower South African youth through education, entrepreneurship, and social impact remains unwavering.

A Call to Action

The story of YLED 2023 is not an isolated event; it’s a blueprint for change. South Africa, and the world, can benefit from embracing entrepreneurship education among in-school youth. The data speaks for itself—such programs transform lives, instill confidence, and prepare the youth for a brighter future.

It’s time for individuals, corporations, and organizations to join hands with YLED and similar initiatives. By investing in the youth, we invest in a prosperous future for South Africa. These young minds have the potential to reshape the nation’s economic landscape, reduce youth unemployment, and become meaningful contributors to the economy.

The YLED 2023 Graduation was a celebration of potential realized, dreams kindled, and futures brightened. It served as a reminder that with dedication, support, and the right opportunities, South Africa’s youth can indeed rise up and make a meaningful impact on their communities and the nation as a whole.