1. YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SUMMIT 2002 HIV/AIDS & YOUTH EMPLOYMENT Presented by: Athi Geleba MANAGING DIRECTOR YOUTH ACADEMY

2. 2 THIS PRESENTATION Current Situation in SA Factors contributing to spread in youth Challenges faced by South African Youth Role of Youth in the fight against HIV/AIDS Integrated Approach to Youth Development to address HIV/AIDS

3. 3 CURRENT SITUATION 25% general SA population HIV+ by 2010 70% total infections in Sub-Saharan Africa 1 in 4 young people in between 20-29yrs HIV+ Unemployment in S.A. 62% among youth

4. 4 Threats to Youth Employment HIV related absenteeism Loss of productivity Cost of replacing workers

5. 5 Factors contributing to the increase rate of HIV transmission Social & family disruption High levels of poverty & low levels of education An overwhelmed & inadequate welfare system Sexually Transmitted Diseases Resistance to change of high risk behaviour Stigmatisation

6. 6 CURRENT ISSUES - HIV/AIDS - UNEMPLOYMENT - POVERTY - CRIME & VIOLENCE

7. 7 Mdantsane Youth Academy VISION “A self-sufficient & healthy environment, conducive to the economic participation & development of young & capable leaders, who contribute positively to society.”

8. 8 YOUTH REPRODUCTIVE & SEXUAL HEALTH Reduce new infections in youth. STRATEGIES Promote safe & healthy sexual behaviour (info. dissemination, condom distribution, life skills training) Training youth in peer education & counselling skills Promote VCT, HIV/AIDS Counselling, Care & Support Prevent Mother to Child Transmission through IEC

9. 9 Youth Development - our most important priority Programmes should address wide range of youth needs: Social Economic Educational Psychological Spiritual Health

10. 10 Critical Issues Gender Effective Quality Programmes Resources (Financial, Technical, Human) Policy (Non-discrimination & equity; safe working environment; right to information & education

11. 11 What this means for youth-driven intervention programmes Sound research, knowledge & experience Effective Skills Training & Development Partnerships (Media, internet, networks, community meetings) Commitment

12. 12 QUOTE “The deployment of energies and resources; the unity and commitment to common goals - all these are needed if we are going to bring AIDS under control.” ~Nelson Mandela, Honorary President of the Global Business Council on AIDS~