The Yes4Youth program prepares young people for employment by providing technical skills & relevant work opportunities, one of the strategies used to achieve their goals is through job placements. Lusanda Matyesini signed up to the Yes4Youth program in 2021 and was placed at HIVSA for a period of 12 months. Here’s some cool stuff about Lulu and her reflection on the past year.   

Tell me more about yourself

My name is Lusanda Matyesini, I am 22 years of age. Most people call me Lulu. I am very talkative, I have a bold personality, and I love taking pictures. My favourite thing right now is taking Tik Tok videos and creating content in general. My dream is to be a nurse, and I am currently working on that dream.

Where did you hear about Yes4Youth?

I heard about Yes4Youth at Siyanakekela Community Based-Organisation, where I was a beneficiary. They have a program called The Determined, Resilient, Empowered, AIDS-free, Mentored and Safe (DREAMS), which helped me to apply for the Yes4Youth learnership. I applied for 2 roles at HIVSA, one for Admin and the other for Digital Media. I was hired as the Digital Media Assistant in July 2021.

What did your role entail?

My role was to assist the Digital Media project and the team with community engagements, creating social media content and being a PA for the Project Manager, which I loved.

As part of the Yes4Youth program, I was also required to complete their online skill development program. There are 21 short courses which I had to complete within the 12 months.

What did you learn?

My role as a Digital Media Assistant enhanced my love for community work. Going to schools, communities, engaging in meaningful conversations, health talks and promoting the magazine was an incredible experience. I learnt about marketing a brand and creating content.

Although I found it challenging to navigate between my two roles (work and modules), I have learnt so many valuable things. For example, the time management course I did, taught me the value of time and how to manage time. Another module I found interesting was called Financial Savings, in this module I was taught how to save, use and spend money wisely.  

What challenges did you have?

There were many challenges, but most of them helped me grow. It was difficult adjusting to being an 8-5 girl, but I adjusted eventually.

Working and studying full-time can be very challenging, so it’s important to prepare yourself mentally.  

Would you recommend the Yes4Youth program?

Definitely! I would recommend it. You honestly learn a lot in a period of 12 months, you learn how to be in the workplace, you learn different skills that come with your placement, you learn how you are as a colleague, how to do your job and how to interact with people in the workplace. I know that these skills I have acquired will be valuable in my future career.

Words of Wisdom

Don’t do something because you are supposed to, but do it because you want to learn more, and become something more. Do everything with your chest.

To be part of the Yes4Youth program, visit their website here to read more and apply.  

If you or a friend need advice or help, you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send a Facebook message or a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657).