The Fund, at its inception in 2001, scoured the globe searching for youth development models and programmes that could be adapted to serve South Africa’s youth. YouthBuild was identified as a key programme and its founder, Dorothy Stoneman was invited to visit South Africa. This was the start of a transatlantic partnership that has stood the test of time and forges strong into the future.
Now the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) has formed out of a merger between the Umsobomvu Youth Fund and the National Youth Commission. The agency reports to the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa.
Over the years, YouthBuild USA and YouthBuild International (YBI) has assisted the UYF and now the NYDA in various ways. This included providing technical assistance, staff capacity building, staff exchanges and participation in YouthBuild USA training events. In 2007 both organisations worked together to adapt the YouthBuild programme to suit the South African conditions.
The new NYDA Board, appointed by President Jacob Zuma in April 2013, reviewed the YouthBuild programme and took the decision to use the YouthBuild programme model as its only skills development and national youth service intervention. Over the next three financial years, the NYDA will enroll 4,965 youth in YouthBuild programmes and will make an investment of R61 million rands (about $6.1 million) from its own funds while continually leveraging resources from other public and private partners. The Board has also approved the establishment of a NYDA YouthBuild school.
Since the first Na
Our partnership with YouthBuild is strong and also evolving. The next phase of our partnership will focus on technical assistance for expansion. We are committed to expansion while retaining programme quality and excellence. We dare not rob young people of the excellent YouthBuild programme experience. YouthBuild USA has demonstrated over the past 35 years on how to take the programme to scale. We want to draw on this wealth and experience.
Our partnership with YouthBuild is strong and also evolving. The next phase of our partnership will focus on technical assistance for expansion. We are committed to expansion while retaining programme quality and excellence. We dare not rob young people of the excellent YouthBuild programme experience. YouthBuild USA has demonstrated over the past 35 years on how to take the programme to scale. We want to draw on this wealth and experience.
Share This Article
www.nyda.gov.za/
info@nyda.gov.za
+27 0800 52 52 52
54 Maxwell Drive, Woodmead
North Office Park, Woodmead,
2191, South Africa
