Cape Town - A youth development programme initiated by BTE Renewables, a green energy supplier, is making waves in rural communities in the Western Cape, Northern Cape and Eastern Cape by upskilling unemployed youth to ultimately boost small businesses in the multimedia space.
BTE Renewables sustainability director Libby Hirshon said: “When we conducted the necessary economic development research across the three locations in which we operate, it was discovered that all three areas displayed high levels of unemployment, high levels of high school drop-outs, and little to no employment for community members, due to lack of skills and higher education qualifications.”
Alongside this, Hirshon said they had challenges when conducting community activations or events, particularly for skilled photographers and videographers to capture their events.
As a result of this, they realised that these problems could be addressed by implementing a youth development programme that focused on upskilling youth in photography, videography and other multimedia mediums.
One of the programme’s beneficiaries, Ayanda Nontyi, said she dreamed of owning a media company and giving back to her community in the future.
“Through this programme, I have learnt a great deal and acquired skills that will serve me well in the future. This course has given me a greater sense of confidence when it comes to operating cameras. The high-quality equipment and technology that we are exposed to has helped me to gain the necessary experience to apply for jobs in the media industry,” she said.
The course is implemented and facilitated by multimedia company Phanda Studios and covers scriptwriting, storyboarding, directing, camera: in-depth technical settings, video and photo editing techniques, as well as business management techniques and compliance.
Some of the benefiting communities in the Western Cape include Arniston, Ashton, Bonnievale, Bredasdorp, Buffejagrivier, Klipdale, Malgas, McGregor, Montagu, Napier, Riviersonnderend, Suurbraak, Zolani, Barrydale and some communities within the Overberg District municipality.
“In addition to the training, the students are receiving a monthly stipend to cover their transport, data, and other expenses. When the programme concludes at the end of the year, equipment will be provided to the participants to assist in the start-up of their enterprises, and it is our hope that by the end of this programme, the candidates will be able to form their own companies and market their services to the community,” Hirshon said.
