Sappi’s Post

In our country, where youth unemployment is alarmingly high, Sappi SA is making a real difference in the lives of South Africa’s youth. We’re stepping up to support our young people in many ways.  𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 with: 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐮𝐛: In partnership with the NBI, we’ve set up an Installation, Repair, and Maintenance hub at Umfolozi TVET College’s Mandeni Campus. So far, 43 individuals have earned competency certificates. 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐬 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐬: From handyman training to basic engineering courses, our Skills Centres are equipping local youths with the skills they need to start their own businesses or land a job.  𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 & 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠: We’re committed to providing bursaries and scholarships for those who dream of careers in engineering, forestry, and more. Plus, we train hundreds of young people each year, with a 90% retention rate in various technical vocation programmes, for graduates, diploma-holders, process trainees and apprentices. 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Our ESD team is there to mentor and guide youths with a knack for business towards becoming the next big entrepreneur.  𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥: We believe in the power of sport to build confidence and leadership skills. Our netball programme is all about empowering young women to take charge and make a difference, while youth NGO loveLife, addresses some crucial topics like teenage pregnancy and period poverty. 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩: Our Abashintshi are out there and leading by example and inspiring communities with the asset-based community development (ABCD) approach. When they’re not looking for opportunities to grow their own businesses, they are arranging holiday programmes, providing youngsters with healthy activities in their communities. 𝐄𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 (ECD): We believe in giving children a strong start in life. Thanks to our partnership with Penreach & TREE, over 14,000 children are on their way to a brighter future with ECD teacher training. We’re committed to empowering our youth to seize opportunities and thrive. Together, we’re building vibrant communities and contributing to our nation’s well-being.  These and many more examples can be found in our SSA Corporate Citizenship report at https://bit.ly/4eiAsIT #YouthEmpowerment #SappiSA #YouthMonth #Community

International Day of Education! Education has the power to transform lives, communities, and even entire nations. It is a tool of empowerment, offering opportunity and hope to those who may otherwise be left behind. On this International Day of Education, let us reflect on how we can harness the power of education to create lasting peace and a more just world in line with this year's theme: learning for lasting peace.. As we know, education is an important tool for human capital development, especially in developing countries. It can provide young people with the skills and knowledge they need to participate in the labor market and contribute to economic growth. It can also empower individuals and communities to break the cycle of poverty, creating a virtuous cycle of growth and prosperity. For example, in countries like India and China, investment in education has been a key driver of economic growth and poverty reduction. In fact, the World Bank estimates that a one percent increase in the average years of schooling in a country can lead to an increase in per capita income of up to 1.2 percent. This highlights the tremendous potential of education to transform lives and improve living standards. With our work at Utidia and the Utidia Apprenticeship Institute (UAI) which are focused on workforce development within the YouthUp Global network, we have been providing individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workforce, with a particular focus on developing countries; which includes providing access to practical-based training and resources, promoting work-based learning opportunities, and connecting individuals with employers....we are committed to improving quality education in developing countries. I believe that education should be for all and should receive every form of support and funding... building and empowering for a lasting peace. Do something every day to support education! On behalf of my entire community I wish us all a happy International Day of Education. #FaithNwaobia #youthup #utidia #uai #internationaldayofeducation

One Youth Alliance is honored to celebrate World Youth Skills Day. This is a day to recognize the importance of skills development for young people, and to highlight the role that teachers, educators and the community play in shaping the future the our youths. The world is rapidly evolving, to meet the contemporary demands, young people need the skills to succeed in this new world. The good news is that there are many opportunities for young people to develop the skills they need. Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) is one of the best ways to do this. TVET programs provide young people with the skills they need to get good jobs, start their own businesses, and make a difference in their communities. At OYA, we deliver programs to assist young people in exploring their talents in the following areas: - Auto Mechanics - Outdoor cooking - Agriculture - First Aid - Navigation - Needle work We also need to invest in our teachers and educators. They are the ones who will help young people develop the skills they need to succeed. We need to make sure that our educators are well-trained and equipped to train young people. One Youth Alliance invests in the social aspect of our young people. OYA members are involved in community service and environmental conservation to establish a mindset of social responsibility to their community and by extension, Trinidad and Tobago 🇹🇹. At One Youth Alliance, we are confident that if we work together, we can ensure that all young people have the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. Together, we can build a better future for all. One Youth Alliance would like to highlight the following: * The importance of lifelong learning. In today's world, skills become obsolete quickly. That's why it's important for young people to develop a lifelong learning mindset. They need to be willing to learn new skills and adapt to change. * The importance of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is a great way for young people to create their own jobs and build their own futures. We need to encourage young people to be entrepreneurial and to think outside the box. * The importance of social responsibility. Young people have the power to make a difference in the world. We need to encourage them to use their skills and talents to solve problems and make the world a better place. We believe that young people are the future. They are the ones who will shape the world of tomorrow. Let's invest in them and give them the skills they need to succeed. #OYA #oneyouthalliance #worldyouthskillsday

Exploring Youth Opportunities in South Australia: Empowering Growth, Learning, and Success

Youthconomics: Empowering Africa's Future What if we unlocked the economic potential of Africa's youth? I propose Youthconomics, an initiative that recognizes the crucial role of youth empowerment, inclusion, and development. By investing in sustainable programs, we ignite their potential to become the shining beacons of our continent. Driven by this belief, I founded YouthUp Global. Our mission is to create transformative programs that tackle youth unemployment in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Through human capital development, we guide our young leaders toward their best selves. It is this concept of youthconomics that have given birth to Utidia and Utidia Apprenticeship Institute (UAI) as we continue to develop skilled workforce from emerging markets as well as connecting skill-based and career opportunities to individuals especially the young people. Youthconomics is more than just a term. It's a call to action, a plea to create opportunities for our youth to thrive. Join me in embracing the power of Youthconomics and let's build the Africa we all envision – a continent where every young person has a chance to shine! We are open for collaboration and partnership. Write to us at projects@youthupglobal.com #FaithNwaobia #Youthconomics #YouthEmpowerment #AfricaRising #SustainableDevelopment

Driven by Passion to Empower African Youth Kang'ethe John, the Founder & Director of Sensei Institute of Technology, Kenya's leading technical training college known for its practical skills training, is on a mission to empower African youth for success in the global job market. John, a trained and experienced Surveyor, became increasingly frustrated by the lack of qualified heavy machinery operators he encountered when hiring. Despite claiming months or even years of training, their skills consistently fell short, jeopardizing projects and causing him significant setbacks. ✅ Identifying a Critical Skills Gap This ongoing challenge in 2013 led John to identify a critical skills gap in the Kenyan workforce. Fueled by a passion for positive change, he embarked on a new journey, founding Sensei Institute of Technology. His vision: to bridge this gap by providing practical, hands-on training programs designed to meet the specific needs of current and future employers. ✅ Leveling the Playing Field in Education Sensei operates under a principle of equal access to education. Trainees can join the programs with just a valid ID, eliminating financial barriers that often hinder educational opportunities. ✅ Remarkable Growth and Impact From its humble beginnings offering a single course in 2013, Sensei has flourished. Today, the institute boasts a comprehensive curriculum of over 100 courses, directly employs over 60 staff members, and operates two well-equipped campuses with workshops and heavy machinery. With a proud track record of graduating over 20,000 students from Kenya and across Africa, Sensei is a powerful force in shaping the continent's skilled workforce. ✅ Accredited Excellence Sensei Institute is fully accredited by NITA (National Industrial Training Authority), TVETA (Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority), and NTSA (National Transport and Safety Authority), ensuring the quality and legitimacy of its programs. ✅ Building a Network of Success Sensei fosters a strong alumni network, with graduates thriving in county and national governments, local businesses, and international companies. The institute's skills-based courses empower young people to not only secure employment but also pursue entrepreneurial ventures. ✅ Beyond Skills Training: A Commitment to Uplifting Lives John's dedication extends beyond technical expertise. A passionate advocate for poverty eradication, he actively sponsors students facing financial hardship, ensuring their access to life-changing educational opportunities. ✅Sensei Institute: Shaping Futures, Building a Stronger Africa Under John's visionary leadership, Sensei Institute is making a significant impact. By providing practical, industry-aligned training and fostering a culture of empowerment with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in the ever-evolving job market and contribute to a brighter future for themselves and the continent.

July 15th, 2023 - World Youth Skills Day 🎉 This is an important event that evaluates the global change to the development of youth around the world. The event aims to raise awareness and discuss the importance of vocational education, training and development of vocational skills in line with the requirements of socio-economic development; at the same time, contributing to reducing unemployment and underemployment for young people today. 📃 Responding to the theme of World Youth Skills Day 2023 - "Skilling teachers, trainers and youth for a transformative future", let's take a look back at the project of producing materials under the project "Increasing access to livelihood opportunities for ethnic minority youth through the promotion of career development entrepreneurship initiatives" implemented by Aide at Action (AEA - becoming Action Education) and the Northwest Development Cooperation Center (NWD) during the period from June 2021 - March 2022. 📁 Within the framework of the project, CREATIO designed and produced a set of career guidance materials for high school students in two provinces of Hoa Binh and Lao Cai, including a guidebook for teachers and a guidebook for high school students. The set of materials is developed to help students in grades 10 - 12 in high schools understand a market-oriented approach based on the local context and get an idea of how to choose a career that matches their interests and ability. 📒 Besides, CREATIO also designed and printed four vocational training books for vocational training centers in Hoa Binh and Lao Cai provinces in four occupations including tour guide, chef, embroidery, and brocade weaving. The development of this set of materials helps trainees of the vocational training center and ethnic minority youth improve their knowledge and skills in professional practice and effectively apply them in reality. 👨 👩 In addition, a handbook on entrepreneurship for ethnic minority youth was also developed by CREATIO to provide useful and inspirational information about entrepreneurship to the project's beneficiaries. ❤️️ Through this project, CREATIO hopes to play a part in promoting career opportunities and entrepreneurship as well as developing appropriate job skills for ethnic minority youth in Vietnam. -------------------------- #Creatio #CreationWithoutEnd #MarketingAgency #ConsultingAgency #12YearsOfSustainableDevelopment

☎️ 𝐀 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐎𝐧𝐞－𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 🎓 Dear Nigerian LinkedIn Community, Last night, as I celebrated my upskilling to Virtual Assistant with #DEXA, a thought struck me. "I achieved this because I had access to information and technology," but what about young people in rural areas who lack such opportunities? 🤔 To foster national growth, we must harness the potential of our youth. Hence, an urgent need for 𝙖 𝙤𝙣𝙚-𝙮𝙚𝙖𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙪𝙡𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙮 𝙫𝙤𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙢 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙨𝙚𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙧𝙮 𝙨𝙘𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙡 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙪𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙨.This can bridge the gap between education, lack of adequate personal/national development and rampant social vices. Just like the compulsory one-year Youth Service Corps (NYSC), there should be a one-year mandatory self-discovery program, with its certificate as a prerequisite for tertiary admission. During this one-year year, young graduates would be guided and empowered with essential skills for personal and national growth. Having in mind that: 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐥, 𝐧𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐚 𝐎𝐧𝐞-𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐦:⬇️ ↪️ Skill Development: Provides essential vocational and technological training. ↪️ Self-sustainability: Enables financial independence while continuing education. ↪️ Reduction of Social Vices: Engages youth in constructive activities, reducing negative behaviours. ↪️ Career Exploration:Helps make informed career decisions through industry exposure. ↪️ Civic Engagement: Instills responsibility and patriotism through community service. Conclusively, as NYSC shapes young minds for nation-building, a compulsory self-discovery program can empower secondary school graduates to explore their passions, develop valuable skills, and unlock their potential before pursuing higher education or joining the workforce. Let's unite to support this initiative and invest in the future of Nigeria's youth, fostering a culture of purpose, creativity, and innovation for a skilled, responsible, and self-sustaining Nigeria. If this resonates with you, kindly ♻️ repost until it reaches the relevant ministers for consideration and implementation. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐦𝐞 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰.⬇️ I'm rooting for our young ones. Wishing us a productive Thursday 😘 Kenechukwu Ejim 🤔 out loud #Nigeria #YouthDevelopment #VocationalTraining #EducationReform #SkillsForLife #CommunityEngagement #NationalGrowth #NYSC #RuralDevelopment #FutureLeaders #DEXA #ALX_AFRICA

💡✨ Did you know? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), STEM occupations are projected to experience significant growth, with an estimated 11% increase by 2032. This growth rate is more than twice as fast as many other occupations. That’s why investing in STEM education is crucial. YUVA Mauritius, with the support of CFLI, is committed to inspiring young people to embrace STEM education. Together, we are building inclusive environments and forging future opportunities in the field 🔮 📣 Stay tuned for more fascinating insights in our “did you know” series! #STEMeducation #CFLI #YUVAMauritius #GirlsInScience #GirlsInSTEM #youthempowerment

Education goes beyond the confines of traditional schools and universities made of bricks and mortar. It encompasses access to information, the nurturing of relationships, and the accumulation of experiences that form an integral part of the lifelong learning journey. Having read the article below, my conviction firmly upholds the value of self-directed learning. Harnessing available technology to bolster learning and recognizing the diverse avenues of education is essential. These avenues should encompass vocational training, university education, and experiential learning gained through work, travel, life events, and mentorships. All these opportunities should be taken into consideration. While credentials hold significance, the worth of a degree or the completion of a training program lies in their ability to provide tangible proof of achievement. A unique approach employed at my alma mater, DePaul University School of Continuing & Professional Studies, is the ✨ Prior Learning Assessment✨. This process involves the review of certifications, workplace learning, personal hobbies, service learning, and a variety of other demonstrations of acquired knowledge. This innovative approach was mentioned in the Student Success & Engagement E-news, Volume 1, Number 4. https://lnkd.in/gfTXkU65