On Thursday, 25 May 2023 Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) hosted its first town hall meeting aimed at reimagining work-integrated learning opportunities and employability for its learners. Given the cold wet weather of Cape Town leaders from industry and semi-government entities made their way to the town hall meeting. The session was facilitated by Mymoena Ismail of the Rotary Club of Waterfront as part of its digital transformation commitment.
During the meeting industry leaders emphasised that the key to addressing the challenges of unemployment is for educational institutions like SIYP to deliver talent whose competencies and skills match targeted job profiles. In recognising the importance of the Private Sector, the industry congratulated SIYP on its intent to establish a legitimate platform to foster a culture of “doing with”. Furthermore, it valued the opportunity to formalise its relationship with SIYP by:
i) onboarding learners as part of their work-integrated learning exposure;
ii) being a change catalyst on site for these learners;
iii) granting talented learners employment post the work-integrated learning period; and
iv) directly engaging SIYP on changes to its course of study.
Father Francois, CEO of Saleisans, thanked all the participations for their commitment to unlocking local talent residing in untapped communities.


Left: Tony Austen – Principal of the Learn to Live School of Skills facilitating discussion with Gabriel Hamuy – Programme Manager of Needs and Jean McKenzie – Smart Work Centre Coordinator: Right: Father Francois Dufour – CEO of Salesians, thanks all participants for attending.