Support the skills development and employment of unskilled, unemployed young women from rural southern Africa, the segment of the population most negatively affected by unemployment and poverty. The Hospitality Programme, facilitated by the SA College for Tourism (SACT), enhances the education and economic independence of these young school leavers, improves their quality of life, and that of their families who often depend on them, and elevates extremely poor rural communities out of poverty.
Unemployment is a problem for many southern Africans, but particularly for the youth. According to Stats SA's 2012 Labour Force Survey, unemployment amoung young South Africans is as high as 51%. While the institute for Race Relations estimates that the rate of unemployment amoung young Black women is 11% higher than that of their male counterparts. The project focuses on young women from rural communities, the segment of the population most negatively affected by unemployment and poverty.
SACT facilitates fully funded nationally recognised further education and training, including life skills, personal mentoring and coaching. These uniquely positioned hospitality skills are required to work and build careers in guest houses and game lodges which form the most important sector of the hospitality industry in rural areas, and rely almost solely for their income on ecotourism. Graduates are placed in paid internships/employment to support their career and economic development.
The project trains 90 unskilled, unemployed young women per annum, from poor rural communities, 60 from South Africa, and 30 from member countries of the Southern African Development Community. SACT boasts over 700 graduates since inception, and a 100% pass rate. Graduates are placed in paid internships/employment. Statistics reflect that 95% of 2011 and 88% of 2012 graduates are currently employed in guest houses and game lodges, elevating these women and their families out of poverty.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
