Over 40% of 18-24 yr olds in South Africa are not in formal education, nor employed, nor disabled so that they cannot work. This represents a severe loss of human potential just at the time that young people should be becoming economically active. On average, individuals who complete Grade 12 have a 40-70% greater earning potential than those who have not, and are 30-60% more likely to be in formal employment. ¹
Key strategies for South Africa are to prevent the loss of potential of learners in Grades 10-12 who fail to complete school, and to connect school leavers to educational and economic opportunity. The DG Murray Trust can contribute to the former by promoting community demand for education and developing networks and connections for young people who are not linked to pathways for personal growth and development. A critical strategy for building both human and social capital in South Africa is the development of connections that link marginalised young people to information and to opportunity. ² ³
We aim to continue to build community demand for schooling to prevent early drop-out and to help expand post-school connections to educational and economic opportunity. Learn more from one of our partners, Ikamva Youth
We will support programmes that:
- Support and develop organisations that aim to prevent drop-out from school, vocational training and tertiary educational institutions and create connections to opportunity
- Make information about educational and work opportunities more accessible
- Strengthen the networks of individuals and organisations that connect young people
