Al-Qalam 
By Al Qalam Reporter
About 32 youth and adults attended the second edition of the Muslim Youth Movement’s “Bringing Hope to Unemployed Youth” programme in Durban during August 2019.
Two key advices emanated from the three-day skills workshop for unemployed youth – ‘spend your time productively and work without pay to acquire workplace experience.’
One of the highlights was the powerful messages of two motivational speakers, Abdul Mallick Tejane MD of Africa School of Technology and Vino Govender, Managing Director at LA Consulting Engineers and Ambassador at Global Goodwill Ambassadors (GGA), Durban Area.
Tejane, who came to South Africa (from Sierra Leone) in his teens after the death of his parents, inspired the participants with a talk about his seven-year trials and tribulations to fulfil his dream – to start a successful computer training and website development business.
Govender, a single parent after her husband’s death, informed participants that hard work, determination and at most times getting 2-3 hours sleep, were the key factors for the successful consulting business she has now established in a tough male-dominated industry.
An emerging leader and youth motivation speaker Yusuf Johannes Moloi wrapped up the last day with two messages – “Never Give Up” and “you have yourself to blame” for failing to seize opportunities.
Participants who travelled from different parts of KwaZulu Natal also received practical advice from a panel of highly experienced business people such as Kairoon Ghumran, owner of PY Placements, Ahmed Seedat, MD of Vector Consulting and Essa Cambula, a lecturer from Coastal College.
Ghumran gave them practical guidance on how to write a successful CV and how to make an impression during an interview.
Seedat’s coaching focused on writing a business and marketing plan. Cambula drew attention to careers available at TVET colleges and how to apply for funding.
Radio journalist Aneesa Essak talked about the benefits of volunteerism and how it benefits communities around them while at the same time acquiring skills that could make an impression in their CVs.
Consultant Rashid Chopdat took them through a practical session on goal setting and personal development skills such as leadership and time management.
Chopdat advised that this programme was designed to give the unemployed a better chance of getting employment and also to assist those who did not make it to university.
Those interested in attending future programmes should send their contact details to kzn@mym.za.org.
