Ripples for Change together with STEMpower developed a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) centre in Walter Sisulu University to strengthen the education level in STEM subjects and careers. Additionally, the organisation trained youth in computer and employability skills.
We plan to build four more STEM centres in universities around South Africa. Additionally, Ripples for Change is in the process of addressing the mental health needs of rural youth through partnerships with organizations offering peer-to-peer mental health services in high schools. Enhancing English level among youth from grade 4 onwards.
More than half of the population of South Africa are young people, ages 15-34. According to UNICEF, 65% of young South Africans said they had some form of a mental health issue, a quarter of young South Africans experience depression and anxiety, and up to 20% of high school pupils have tried to take their own lives.
We are developing a full referral system specific for youth that will answer the different needs or stages of the mental health spectrum: prevention, counselling, a diversion centre, psychological services, psychiatry services and hospitalization.
We are creating a business accelerator that will assist emerging entrepreneurs, support established companies, and foster the entrepreneurial spirit in the youth and adults from rural regions. By offering assistance to existing businesses that may be grown and turned into sustainable businesses, the accelerator aims to open up economic prospects in rural regions.
Together we employed young people from rural communities with the aim to provide work experience, earning opportunities, alleviating poverty and inequality. The employment opportunities we offered the youth were in: