Supporting the youth is the gift that keeps on giving

Investing in opportunities for children and youth through socio-economic development is a forward-looking approach to giving back to society. Two non-profit organisations are helping to change their circumstances, supporting the needs of vulnerable babies and toddlers and talented unemployed youth, respectively.

“Children and young people are the future of our communities, and through social economic development [SED] initiatives focusing on the youth, we aim to make a positive difference in the areas where we operate,” says Kgomotso Maapola, SED manager for the Medipost Holdings Group, comprising Medipost Pharmacy, MediLogistics, Medi Training and Kawari Wholesaler.

One of the leading challenges facing South Africa is youth unemployment, and Medipost Holdings recently supported the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy and Learning Centre, a charitable trust, via a SED donation to Valcare in Cape Town.

“Investing in young people and assisting them to enter the working world through equipping them with hospitality skills and practical training in this key growth sector of the economy is already making a difference in the lives of 24 young people, who are now employed at various hotels and restaurants following the completion of their courses,” she says.

“Not only are we contributing toward these individuals’ ability to earn a livelihood for themselves to uplift their own families but they are also provided with a foot on the ladder for making their mark on the internationally renowned South African hospitality and tourism sector.

“Many of these skills have broader relevance and application in other industries, and we have no doubt the training they received through the Franschhoek Hospitality Academy will help open doors to more opportunities in future, whichever path they choose.”

Adds Medipost group CEO Dr Victor Ramathesele, “Through developing their potential, today’s youthful hospitality executive could open the door to creating more opportunities in local communities to stimulate local economic activity.

“Addressing youth unemployment will require collective efforts, and we encourage other corporates to join hands in investing and mentoring the youth, as every bit of support represents hope for South Africans.”

According to the World Bank, early childhood experiences profoundly affect brain development and, therefore, learning, health, behaviour and, ultimately, lifetime opportunities. “This is why our group SED investment also went toward supporting the work of House Lesedi (pictured) in Hartbeespoort, North West,” Maapola says.

A place of safety caring for abandoned babies, House Lesedi relies on donations for household essentials to continue its vital work for these most vulnerable members of society. “Thank you to Medipost Pharmacy for your faithful support of House Lesedi and the babies and toddlers we care for every year,” says project leader, Elize Bezuidenhout.

The 2023 donation was needed to pay school fees for a toddler during this crucial phase of her early childhood development. “Your donation has given this child an opportunity to prepare for a new phase in her young life, and this will always have a life-changing impact on her as she grows up,” Bezuidenhout adds.

In more good news, the little girl was recently reunited with her biological family.

“We were also most grateful that the donation was enough to cover our electricity bill for several months, keeping the lights on for our babies.”

Dr Ramathesele concludes, “On behalf of the Medipost Holdings family, we sincerely appreciate the caring work of organisations such as Valcare and House Lesedi and the power of their work to build a more prosperous future for all. We are humbled to be able to sponsor some of the needful elements for these young beneficiaries, and wish them every encouragement in the years ahead.”