Al-Qalam 
By Al Qalam Reporter
The Muslim Youth Movement of South Africa (MYM) held a workshop in Durban to inspire unemployed youngsters to sharpen their CV’s in their job applications– and to be flexible in taking up job opportunities other than the ones they were seeking.
The programme focussed on youth who did not make it to tertiary institutes.
The three-day workshop aptly titled “Bringing Hope to Unemployed Youth” – took place in Durban from 15th to 17th April. It was attended by 21 young people comprising recent and past matric students as well as some who are keen to complete Grade 12.
The workshop provided the participants with practical skills that would help them when applying for a job or submitting business proposals. “Topics included How to write a CV and a convincing covering letter”, “volunteerism” and “15 jobs that will disappear in the next few years” and they completed an online survey pointing them towards careers that would suit them.
The workshop also provided links where the participants could apply for internships and CV writing templates.
The participants told Al Qalam they benefited immensely from the workshop.
A senior lecturer from an FET college told students’ that going to a university was not the only option. She gave students examples of the types of careers they could choose from and explained the process of applying for bursaries for their studies.
On the second day, a young attendee, Johannes Mohale, inspired his fellow participants with this message: “Only you can lift yourself up”.
Business consultant Ahmed Seedat who represented the Minara Chamber of Commerce guided participants on how to complete a business and financial plan and budgets. He also provided hints on how to access corporate funding for SMEs and explained how funders think when considering applications.
Another highlight was an inspirational talk by clinical psychologist Nonhlanhla Joye, MD of Umgibe, who turned to farming after a life threatening illness befell her. She encouraged participants to take up gardening, even if it was part time, so they may become self-sufficient by providing fresh food daily for their families.
