Basic Package of Support for Youth
The CSDA, together with the Southern Africa Labour and Development Research Unit (SALDRU) at UCT and the DG Murray Trust, has been working for several years on the development of the Basic Package of Support – an evidence-informed intervention intended to support young people to reconnect to learning and earning opportunities through individualised coaching and the promotion of youth-focused service delivery.
In 2023, the project reached proof of concept in our Atlantis and Orange Farm sites. The report on this pilot phase reflects on the extent to which the programme improves the well-being and employability outcomes of the participants. Some highlights from the report include that those who participated experienced reduced anxiety and distress, improved social connectedness, improved wellbeing, and employability gains.
The research demonstrated that the project could be rolled out as planned and that the early outcomes were being achieved. These outcomes included improved well-being amongst young people and many young people taking up and staying with learning and earning opportunities.
Key activities within the project included individualised coaching sessions, the implementation of youth-focused service delivery mechanisms, and the provision of comprehensive support tailored to the needs of each participant. These activities were designed to facilitate the successful reintegration of young individuals into education and employment pathways.
Through the project’s interventions, participants were expected to experience enhanced access to education, employment, and essential services, thereby contributing to their socio-economic empowerment and overall development.
The project’s success is attributed to the collaborative efforts of the implementers the CSDA, SALDRU, and the DG Murray Trust. Additionally, partnerships with government agencies, local organisations, and other funders have played a crucial role in supporting the project’s implementation and scaling efforts. Their collective contributions have strengthened the project’s effectiveness and sustainability over time.
