Jump Start recognised by NEPAD as ‘good practice’ for skills development in Africa
Jump Start Retail Frontline Graduate, Nobuhle Cele, at her work experience at MRP Home at Gateway Shopping Centre in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. Image: MRP Foundation/ Tim Lubbe
MRP Foundation is proud to share the news that the Jump Start Retail Frontline Programme has been considered ‘good practice’ for skills development and youth employment on the African continent by NEPAD and is a leading example of how to tackle these social issues beyond South Africa’s borders.
With youth unemployment dangerously high in South Africa and in the rest of Africa, it is an honour for the programme be recognised by The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) as an exemplary example of a work readiness programme that unlocks career potential. As a socio-economic flagship programme of the African Union (AU), NEPAD’s four primary objectives are to eradicate poverty, promote sustainable growth and development, integrate Africa in the world economy and accelerate the empowerment of women.
The Jump StartRetail Frontline Programme prepares school-leavers with in-demand retail skills and experience and opens the minds of South Africa’s youth to the idea of retail as a dynamic career path. By working closely with employer partners, the work-readiness programme ensures there is a match between potential candidates and their business needs.
Karen Wells, Head of MRP Foundation, shared her heartfelt sentiment around the honour saying, “MRP Foundation is proud that the Jump Start programme has been recognised by NEPAD as best practice. Both MRP Foundation and NEPAD work towards eradicating poverty and we hope that our model can unlock potential in the of youth South Africa and Africa to achieve #TheAfricaWeWant.”
Jump Start impact in F2019:
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5,971 youth participated in programmes
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164 skills development trainings facilitated
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54% employment rate for Retail Frontline Programme graduates
More information from NEPAD can be found here.
