October 1, 2024 – We are thrilled to announce the renewal of the successful partnership between WPDI and the City of Cape Town to empower young women and men of the city. Building on the achievements of last year, this collaboration is expanding its reach to even more young people, equipping them with concrete skills and practical knowledge they can use to build brighter futures for themselves and their communities.
This year, the program will see an increase in the number of youth trainees from 200 to 250 participants. These trainees will be selected from communities across Cape Town, in collaboration with our partners, and they will participate in intensive training programs focused on Business and Conflict Resolution Education (CRE). A key difference from last year’s cohort, where 100 youth were trained in Business and another 100 in Conflict Resolution Education (CRE), is that this year, all 250 trainees will receive comprehensive training in both areas. This approach ensures they develop a well-rounded skill set, which can be applied in both their personal and professional lives.
The training sessions are currently taking place and will finish mid-October. The City of Cape Town provides venues within the communities where the trainees are recruited, making the sessions accessible to all participants.
Throughout the planning process, WPDI and the City of Cape Town have been committed to learning from the experiences of the past year in particular. Discussions have taken place to address challenges faced during last year’s program, with a focus on making this year’s experience even more impactful for the trainees. The partnership continues to prioritize the success and well-being of the participants, ensuring they have everything they need to thrive during their training.
The graduation ceremony is scheduled for mid-October, coinciding with a special visit from WPDI’s Executive Director to Cape Town, making it a fitting conclusion to the program.
This renewed partnership between WPDI and the City of Cape Town is a testament to the power of collaboration in driving positive change in underprivileged communities. By working together, we are not only providing young people with the tools they need to succeed but also fostering a rich culture of peace, entrepreneurship, and cohesion within the communities of Cape Town. We look forward to witnessing the incredible outcomes that this year’s program will undoubtedly bring.
