out-of-school youth support

Increasing employability • Opening pathways

For many young people in Walmer Township, finishing school is not the end of the journey — it’s the beginning of new challenges. A large number fall into the NEET category (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), which carries long-term risks of poverty and exclusion. masifunde’s Out-of-School Youth Support programme offers targeted, evidence-based interventions to help youth (ages 16–35) gain the skills, experience, and opportunities they need to build sustainable futures.

our approach

Vocational training and workplace experience within masifunde’s own operations
“Get Ahead” workshops to strengthen career planning, job readiness, and soft skills
Support in accessing further education, training, or direct employment
Continuous mentorship, drawing on proven methods to improve employability outcomes

our impact

300

youth attend "Get-Ahead" workshop on job readiness every year

150

youth transition directly into employment, further education or training

youth gain workplace experience at masifunde every cycle

why it matters

South Africa’s high youth unemployment rate leaves too many young people NEET, with limited prospects. By applying an evidence-based model that combines training, mentorship, and real work experience, we equip youth not just to find jobs, but to thrive in them. In this way, they become active contributors to their families and their communities.