Absa Group, The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment Trust and the Presidency have called on the business sector in South Africa to support the valuable youth development work of President Jacob Zuma’s Award Programme.
Honourable Minister Collins Chabane, Minister of Performance Monitoring and Evaluation in the Presidency, has urged Corporate South Africa to invest in the President’s Award Programme for Youth Empowerment.
Speaking on behalf of the Patron-in-Chief of The President’s Award, President Jacob Zuma, Minister Chabane said such investment will assist the programme enhance its financial sustainability.
He was speaking at The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment Presidential Dinner, sponsored by Absa Group, sought to encourage corporate South Africato answer President Jacob Zuma’s call for support of the organisation’s valuable work for youth development.
A framework for youth empowerment
Speaking at the same event, Absa Deputy Chief Executive, Louis von Zeuner, said it was fitting that Absa support this initiative not only as a workable framework for youth empowerment closely aligned to the purpose of the bank’s Graduate Development Programme, but also as a leading example for other Corporates in South Africa.
“The work of The President’s Award Programme with young people in South Africa is significant and it needs continued support. This, ultimately, contributes to the long-term well-being of our country,” adds von Zeuner.
Also present at the gala dinner, held at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg tonight, were Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile and Minister of Social Development, Mrs Bathabile Dlamini.
A group of 14 Gold Award Holders were also present on the night.
30 years of effective development
Warren Clemlow, Chairman of The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment Trust, said; “We celebrate 30 years of effective youth development in South Africa in 2013 and as a Trust we are committed to ensuring that our impact continues. That is why we are here tonight. Our affiliation with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Association enables us to network with over 130 countries around the world offering the same opportunities to their young people, providing quality experience to all young people who enroll. We are truly part of a global network.”
Endorsed by the presidency, the basic philosophy informing the President’s Award Programme is its focus on individual challenge and holistic development for young people between the ages of 14 and 25. The programme seeks to empower the youth to chart their own paths of self-discovery, development and growth. Through this programme, the youth will be exposed to key leadership fundamentals including skills development, recreation and community service, and the undertaking of an adventurous journey.
Since its inception almost 30 years ago, the President’s Award Programme has helped more than 110 000 young people in South Africa on the path towards reaching their full potential. In the last 8 years Award Programme’s participants have also collectively undertaken over 405 000 hours of community service to date, estimated to be valued at R8 100 480 worth.