The event brought together the project partners YES, Camara (the Spanish Chamber of Commerce), Johannesburg Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCI), LulaLab, the European Union and key stakeholders to celebrate the project's significant impact on empowering young people and women in Gauteng's townships, says the organisation.

Launched in 2024, the EYWA project aimed to tackle youth unemployment by providing targeted skills training and pathways to economic participation. Today's conference revealed that the project has not only met but exceeded many of its core targets, fostering entrepreneurship, facilitating job placement and building a robust network of community support.

"The EYWA project is a testament to what collaborative effort can achieve," says Ravi Naidoo, CEO at YES. "By focusing on both hard skills and entrepreneurial spirit, we've been able to provide over 400 young people with tangible tools for their futures. Seeing a 97% completion rate and 69% female participation tells us that our approach is not only effective but also resonates deeply with the communities we serve."

According to YES, key project outcomes include:

  • Broad Sensitisation: Over 600 beneficiaries (exceeding the 50% women target) were introduced to the value of entrepreneurship and Dual Vocational Education and Training (VET).
  • In-Demand Skills Training: 400 young people were trained in high-growth sectors, including ICT, Solar PV installation, Culinary Arts and Entrepreneurship.
  • Exceptional Completion and Placement: The project achieved a remarkable 97% completion rate among its 180 direct training beneficiaries in Soweto and Alexandra. As the project draws to a conclusion, 43% have already secured new jobs.
  • Championing Women's Economic Inclusion: Female participation stood at a powerful 69%, with women strongly represented across all training and employment initiatives.
  • Entrepreneurship in Action: Beyond job placement, the project has already supported 7 new youth-owned businesses, with 50 entrepreneurs set to receive sub-grants to scale their operations.
  • Community and International Collaboration: The project engaged 15 local CSOs, sensitised 100 companies and hosted international experts, including a team from IE Business School and specialists from Spain who conducted workshops on natural dye techniques and pottery.

Speaking at the conference, the Spanish and Johannesburg Chamber's Carmen Ayllon and Bernadette Zeiler emphasised the need for continued public-private partnerships, peer–to-peer mentorship to drive women's economic and financial inclusion. Partners praised the project's innovative methodology, which combines hands-on training with expert shadowing and direct linkages to host companies.

"The EYWA project perfectly aligns with our commitment to fostering sustainable development and an inclusive socio-economic agenda," adds Nicole Gerlis Bieier, Head of Section for Global gateway Ecosystems and Governance at the European Union. "The results presented today demonstrate a scalable model for empowering marginalised youth and women, creating a tangible impact in disadvantaged areas."

As the formal project phase concludes, its legacy continues. The trained youth, the network of 52 host sites, and the strengthened community organisations form a lasting foundation for future economic empowerment in Gauteng.

For more information, visit www.yes4youth.co.za. You can also follow the Youth Employment Service on Facebook, LinkedIn, X, or on YouTube.

*Image courtesy of contributor