#1
Certify Us
Youth Capital advocates for ways to smooth pathways to certification for young people.
An educational qualification can make all the difference to our chances of finding and keeping a job, as well as earning a higher salary. But too many young South Africans drop out of school, college or university before qualifying. A sharp focus on certification can change young people’s realities.
The facts are
- 1 in 2
Grade 1s who reach and pass Grade 12
Source
- 250 000
People who try to re-write their matric outside of the school system
Source
- 6 in 10
People who get an undergraduate degree within 6 years
Source
In 2014, I was doing my first year at Stellenbosch University. Going from a rural high school into an Afrikaans- dominated university was a big issue for me. Every time I had to study for exams it felt like it was my first time hearing about the particular topic because of the language barrier. Only one lecturer realised I was struggling and reached out; we had one-on-one sessions and when I dropped out, in the second semester, I had the highest marks in that subject. Four years later I am graduating in same degree but at a different university.
-Thandile
RESEARCH
The Second Chance Matric Programme by the Department of Basic Education is currently the only option for young people to re-write matric if they have not passed; often, this programme is the only way to re-engage with the education system, and move forward.
Youth Capital’s research brief Matrics ‘on the Fringe’ highlights the challenges young people face when attempting to re-write their matric on their own, and what solutions could support them.
What could improved certification look like?
All the relevant information pertaining to registration for the Second Chance Programme (how to register, where to go, and subject choices available) are easily accessible on a data-free page, with touchpoints that can provide young people with timely support.
Educational institutions commit to making sure every single graduate gets their certificate, no matter their historical debt.
Conditions for workplace-based learning are more realistic for all workplaces to accommodate students from Technical Vocational Education and Training Colleges.
We’ve got a plan!
Join over 50 organisations and 15 000 individuals and add your voice and experience to a coordinated response to youth unemployment.
