Social Work Is a Serious Profession – Why Not Youth Work? What South Africa Needs to Get Right

Social work is a serious profession – why not youth work? What South Africa needs to get right

About 3.5 million South Africans aged 15-24 are disengaged from the formal economy and education system. In the first quarter of 2025, 37.1% of young people were not in employment, education, or training. These alarming figures highlight an urgent need for youth development. Interventions such as skills and entrepreneurship development are needed to expertly guide young people towards participating in the mainstream economy. Designing and runni…

Ava’s Story: Finding Confidence, Community and a Brighter Future Through Youth Work - National Youth Agency

At 17, Ava Turtle is thriving and studying for a T Level in Early Years, working part-time as a lifeguard, and mentoring younger peers. But just a few years ago, things looked very different.  Ava first joined the F.I.R.E. programme at Shine in 2022, during a time when she felt isolated and misunderstood. Living with Hydrocephalus; a condition that causes excess fluid to build up in the brain, Ava faced daily challenges that affected her memory,…