Mohamed Ameen Dabhelia – 2013/03/13
The National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) and the University of Johannesburg (UJ) launched the Youth Development Institute of South Africa (YDISA) in Auckland Park.
YDISA follows the partnership entered into by the NYDA and UJ which focuses on research and knowledge management aimed at improving youth development.
University of Johannesburg’s Dr Linda Mtwisha says the launch of the Youth Development Institute of South Africa should be a cause for celebration.
“What the Institute seeks to do is provide research based solutions and proposals to challenges facing the youth. This will be done in partnership with other institutions working in the field of youth development.”
Amongst key performance areas of the NYDA is Policy and Research to develop a body of knowledge and best practice in the youth development sector.
According to NYDA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Khathu Ramukumba: “It is the mandate of the NYDA to ensure that such partnership exists. We must partner and assist organs of state, the private sector, non-governmental organisation and community based organisations to promote the youth development approach.”
The Institute will provide research and programmes for youth empowerment in South Africa. Its main objectives include conducting youth development research, to develop youth development programmes and projects, develop youth models for the youth sector, lobby and advocate for the youth sector, etc.
Managing Director of YDISA Mr Tsholofelo Koopedi says the contribution is not only aimed at the public sector.
“As a result we will also assist Corporate South Africa, through relevant and credible research outcome, to distribute their funds in a more meaningful and impactful way that will advance and mainstream youth development.”
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Buthi Manamela says that all sectors in government should make the development of youth its priority.
“I have been an activist in the youth sector for many, many years. And by the way, I am still an activist. In my years of interaction with fellow activists, policy makers, youth workers and young people themselves, we have always complained about the dearth of timely and cutting edge youth development research and information.”
Manamela commended the NYDA for finding a responsive and enthusiastic partner in the University of Johannesburg for the hosting of this important institute.
“Although UJ will be hosting the institute, a collaborative model with other institutions of higher learning should be adopted.
This collaborative model must draw upon the residual expertise found across the South African higher education sector to bring innovation, capacity and to leverage resources.
UJ Vice Chancellor Ihron van Rensburg says the university is honoured to have been chosen by the NYDA to act as the launching pad for this inspiring initiative.
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