South Africa telco, Vodacom, has announced the 20 youth volunteers for its annual Vodacom Change the World programme for 2017/2018.
The programme, which was initially introduced in 2011, gives individuals the opportunity to volunteer their time and skills to work for a non-profit organisation (NPO) for 12 months. For the first time this year, the programme has been branded as an information and communication technology (ICT) and youth volunteerism initiative.
Speaking at the announcement held in Midrand, Johannesburg, yesterday, CEO for Vodacom group corporate affairs, Takalani Netshitenzhe, said the telco is heeding governments call to for the private sector to help with alleviating youth unemployment. "As the impacts of the fourth industrial revolution are going to be felt hardest by the youth and women in particular, we see this as an opportunity to help bridge the digital divide in communities whilst preparing youth for a future in a fast digitising world. I am pleased to see that many young females are being placed on the programme and their task is to ensure that more young females are empowered through digital literacy and skills.
"This year, the programme will focus on creating work experience opportunities for young people, who in turn will use their skills and time to give back to their communities through the NPOs of their choice. Vodacom will ensure that they are well remunerated and provide needed support," she added.
One of the selected volunteers, 29-year-old Odwa Mhlontlo, a Bachelor of Agriculture graduate from Alice in the Eastern Cape, says through the programme she hopes to improve the farming practices of Alice community members. "I believe that it is through these ICT programmes that farming practices could lead to rural development in the area. The people within the community will improve their livelihoods if they are able to farm better."
A fellow volunteer, Kelly Jacobs from Grassy Park, Cape Town, is a Bachelor of Psychology (BPsych) graduate and will be dedicating her time to a Child and Youth Care Centre in her area. "I have a passion for women empowerment and helping the youth realise their potential. Through technology and access to the Internet, the girls at my NPO will find great tools for self-improvement," she said.
To date, the programme has placed 111 volunteers in various non-profit organisations countrywide. This year, the programme received 4 900 applicants.
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