Today, youth ages 10-24 make up more than 25% of the world population[1]. Over the past few years, widespread focus on the UN’s Millennium Development Goals have drawn much needed attention to youth-centered development initiatives and the critical role that youth will play in steering the future development of their communities. 

Growing evermore apparent is the inextricable link between youth participation in education and entrepreneurial endeavors and the ability of developing countries to alleviate poverty and create vibrant and sustainable communities. As a result, increasing efforts are being made by the UN, local governments and NGO’s worldwide to instill and support entrepreneurship amongst young people in developing countries.

A 2007 United Nations report on Youth Entrepreneurs in Africa stresses that,

“Supporting young entrepreneurs in the developing world with education, financing, mentorship and encouragement is a critical pathway to foster the creation of sustainable livelihoods.”[2]  

A recent Youth Entrepreneurship Conference in South Africa sponsored by the Department of Labour’s Umsobomvu Youth Fund stressed the need for the nation to “adopt a strategy whereby as many young people as possible can turn the wheels of poverty and unemployment around, from a nation of hawkers and survivalists, to a vibrant, successful and sustainable entrepreneurial phenomenon.”[3] 

While government and institutional support is incredibly important for large scale change, we here at TNHF believe that the transformation of communities comes from within. Without grassroots mobilization and action, support from the institutional level will not accomplish true change.  

Prospects for ensuring economic stability for youth living within the townships will rely on continued access to higher education and the fostering of a creative, entrepreneurial mindset.

Entrepreneurial endeavors undertaken by young people have the potential to inspire self-confidence, promote economic independence, create jobs within the community and set positive examples for other youth.  

In the coming weeks we hope to highlight some of the great community work being done within the Cape Flats by current TNHF students as we continue to explore the possibilities for youth entrepreneurship within the context of development strategy.

Tune in next week for an update on TNHF student Mava Bacela!

[1] http://www.prb.org/pdf06/YouthInAGlobalWorld.pdf

[2] http://www.unhabitat.org/downloads/docs/4491_18649_yed.pdf

[3] http://www.uneca.org/itca/youth/Documents/ExecutiveSummary_Leema_Changes_AC_21_10_2004.pdf