Young people explore career opportunities at EmpowerU expo in Claremont

Hundreds of young adults, including unemployed people and those unsure about their career paths, received hope and guidance at the EmpowerU Career Expo held at the Claremont Civic Centre on Thursday, September 3.

The expo was organised by Claremont-based City of Light Church through its Life Changes programme, in partnership with Claremont Library, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) and several organisations working with youth and young adults.

Among the organisations taking part were Chrysalis Academy, SA Youth, HGTS Training Academy, iStudent Academy, Living Hope Trust and New Day United. The University of the Western Cape and Golden Arrow were also present to provide career guidance and information about opportunities.

Connecting young people to opportunities

City of Light coordinator Xolile Makutoana said the Life Changes programme aims to equip young people with the skills they need to secure employment.

“One of the problems we encounter is that some young adults have the skills, though there are no job opportunities for them, so this career expo is to connect them to opportunities,” he said.

The young people attending came from various partner organisations and communities, including Manenberg, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Westlake, Lavender Hill, Claremont and surrounding areas.

Library offers support

Claremont Library senior librarian Alicia Thornton said the library welcomed the opportunity to participate in the expo.

“There were many partners there, and it was all about youth empowerment,” she said.

Thornton said unemployment remains a major challenge and that the expo gave young people an opportunity to explore the different services and opportunities available.

“From Claremont Library, we told them about our bursary programme and encouraged them to join the library, as the library will give them assistance in what they need to become employed,” she said.

DSD promotes skills and employment programmes

Newly appointed provincial MEC for Social Development, Wendy Kaizer-Philander, also attended the exhibition and encouraged young people not to give up on themselves.

“We know that being a young person comes with real, heavy burdens. But being here today proves one thing: you have not given up on yourselves,” she said.

Kaizer-Philander said the provincial DSD is committed to creating spaces, partnerships and practical pathways to help young people move towards employment and other opportunities.

“Across the province, we fund and support Youth Cafés and community skills centres that provide digital literacy, work readiness coaching, life skills training, and entrepreneurship exposure,” she said.

She added that the department partners with organisations such as Chrysalis Academy to develop young people's potential, discipline and leadership skills.

“In addition, we expand opportunities through the Expanded Public Works Programme and partner with community-based organisations to build real skill sets for the job market,” she said.

For more information about the EmpowerU Career Expo and services offered by Claremont Library, contact 021 814 1596.

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