Introducing the National Youth Photo: © Hannelee Coetzee and
www.mediaclubsouthafrica.com T
he National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) was launched on 16th June 2009 by the Government to advance youth development through guidance, support and economic development and to develop and coordinate the implementation of an integrated youth development strategy and plan for the country. As part of its information services and communication programmes, the NYDA provides youth with information and counselling support through its various service-delivery channels, including youth advisory centres (YACs). The NYDA’s YACs are walk-in centres where trained personnel provide information, counselling support, training and referral services to young people. YACs offer information and support across a wide range of issues and topics such as career guidance and entrepreneurship, job preparation and other life skills and provide referral services.
There are currently 121 YACs and YAC points in operation, of the following different types:
Full-service YACs: A full-service YAC is the largest version of a YAC with the added advantage of offering all the NYDA services under one roof. Services include: business loan finance, vouchers for business consultancy services, training and access to the National Youth Service programme.
YAC points: A YAC point is a smaller version of a YAC, providing similar services as a YAC but without the full access to NYDA products and services. However, YAC points have the added advantage of being even closer
36 Management Today | June 2012
to the communities they serve. The NYDA is currently collaborating with public Further Education and Training (FET) colleges, labour centres and municipalities for the placement of YAC points and is continuously looking to form more strategic partnerships.
Mobile YACs: A mobile YAC is a mobile version of a YAC with the added advantage of movement between various locations. Mobile YACs also provide outreach services to communities that are unable to access the YACs, by taking career, skills development and information entrepreneurship to the youth in their communities.
YAC kiosks: A YAC kiosk is the smallest version of a YAC, usually a shelf containing information with limited face-to-face assistance. YAC kiosks are located in places such as churches, community structures and tribal authorities.
YACs are open Monday to Friday, 8-17h. The Youth Services Guide also
provides information on Higher Education institutions, including contact details and a brief description of the main offerings of each institution. The Guide differentiates between Universities (“traditional” academic universities that offer
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