The Youth Employment Service Programme: Mint Group Announces Retention and Employment Milestones

Transforming the Community

The YES programme works closely with the education sector, eradicating the challenges of a lack of skills, resources, and staff. Each of the recipients are placed at local partner schools, where we in extension to providing them with job training, we also strive to make a valuable impact to the learners in the classroom. The YES initiative recipients are professionally developed and in turn, educators and learners are enriched with more assistants, and a more focused learning environment.

This two-pronged approach has alleviated pressure of some of the difficulties faced in schools, and overall, creates a positive impact in the community.

“The YES programme is more than just uplifting the youth. It’s a comprehensive project that works towards transformational engagement and a series of interventions that support deep, systemic, and sustainable change, with potential for large-scale impact in an area of a major development challenge. This is one of the many reasons why we are so proud to be a part of it,” says Mint Group Head of People, Lauren Clark.

The Feel-Good Success Stories

This 12-month journey has been a rewarding one. We’ve witnessed the growth and success of each individual. Above the 2020/ 2021, 100% retention rate achieved, this month Mint Group welcomes 3 of the 8 students, as permanent employees.

“We are delighted to have Thando Zwane, Siyanda Kubheka and Thulani Chavele, join as new Minties and continue their journey with us,” says Lauren.

Sharing their stories, this is what they had to say:

“I learned how to do marketing and how companies market themselves through social media. It has been an amazing experience; I am learning a lot and I really appreciate this opportunity,” says Thando Zwane, who is a Marketing Assistant.

Siyanda Kubheka who was previously placed at Sibonokuhkle Primary School as a Mathematics, Natural Science and Technology teacher speaks on the treasured change this programme has brought to his life, and that of his family.

“I’ve learnt important lessons and ideas of how to successfully start a business, from the online training,” he says. His desire and passion for good employment, has now come to life.

Giving his take on youth unemployment, Administration Assistant, Thulani Chavele, says youth should never give up and always look for means to educate, skill and better themselves. He says the programme assisted him to plan his career, and the steps he should take to progress.