Support young people to keep their grip on opportunity
Tens of billions of rands could be saved each year by preventing dropout at schools, colleges and universities. Leaving school before finishing matric limits a young person’s chances of further learning and earning. Similarly, whether the next step after school is work-integrated learning, work experience or a year of service in a public employment programme, young people must be supported to remain connected to opportunities.
Not all young people have a linear progression from school to the world of work, but we need to ensure they do not become discouraged.
We must create and advocate for youth-centred support that ensures young people are kept on pathways to productivity and do not become discouraged. Once in work experience or work opportunities, young people need to receive on-the-job training to build the necessary skills and competencies. This is why we must support organisations to function as spaces that foster meaningful economic progression for young people.
Our goal is to achieve at least a 25% increase in successful student-to-work linkages and retention in first-work opportunities in support programmes funded by DGMT.
What we are working on…
- Reducing the barriers preventing young people from completing their post-secondary qualifications.
- Investing in opportunities that spark positive behaviour change and significantly reduce youth vulnerability.
- Developing socio-emotional skills in young people to support them to succeed when times are tough.
A learner from Gompo in the Eastern Cape photographed in 2020. DGMT’s Zero Dropout Campaign aims to halve the rate of school dropout by 2030.
Escaping the inequality trap requires a twist in our thinking.
Click the button above to read our full five-year strategy. Want a shorter version? Click here
Flagship projects addressing this opportunity
Civil society projects addressing this opportunity
These projects are by no means a comprehensive list of the work of civil society. This list represents a small selection of organisations that will be updated from time to time
Partnerships connecting people to opportunity
Through its Thabiso Skills Institute, CIE supports 22 skills centres to provide young unemployed individuals with marketable skills and access to job opportunities. The organisation bridges the gap between training and employers, optimizing youth learning and guiding them towards sustainable economic opportunities.
Child-friendly mental health services to children and young people in under-resourced communities
Waves for Change combines surfing with evidence-based mind/body therapy, delivered by trained youth. The programme offered in-school and after-school, targets youth facing educational and social challenges, aiming to build confidence, improve self-regulation, enhance academic engagement, and reduce risk behaviour.
Trauma-informed support strengthening wellbeing in schools
School of Hard Knocks provides trauma-informed psychosocial support in no-fee and low-fee schools through sport-based engagement and structured emotional support. DGMT funds the development and testing of their Embedded Coach Model, which will be placing trained Psychological First Aid coaches within School-Based Support Teams to strengthen wellbeing, safeguarding and dropout prevention.
Data-driven support systems that keep learners in school
CAP works with schools and communities to improve learner attendance, wellbeing and support systems through collaborative, data-informed approaches. DGMT funds CAP to strengthen school-based teams, improve early identification of disengagement and build practical mechanisms that prevent dropout and help young people stay connected to learning.
Building sustained pathways for motivated, future-focused learners
Imagine Scholar supports young people in the Nkomazi district through a long-term after-school programme that builds confidence, motivation and leadership. DGMT funds the organisation to strengthen its learner development pathway, deepen collaboration with local schools and test its longitudinal impact framework. This work contributes evidence on how after-school hubs can connect more intentionally with schools and communities to support learner wellbeing, persistence and aspirations.
Do you have a project that addresses this opportunity?
Helpful resources related to this opportunity
