Some young professionals announced as the revamped Vodacom Change
the World pioneers

JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – THE Vodacom Change the World has been given a facelift as an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and youth volunteerism initiative.
This is to advance youth economic empowerment in South Africa.
Vodacom Change the World will now focus on creating work experience opportunities for young people, who in turn will use their skills and time to give back to their communities through the non-profit organisations (NPOs) of their choice.
Selected candidates will be placed at an NPO of their choice for a year and Vodacom will ensure that they are well remunerated.
On Thursday, a group of 20 young professionals were announced as the 2017 intake at the Gallagher Estate in Midrand.
“The youth of 2017 is fighting for freedom from poverty, inequality and unemployment and to help alleviate their plight. Vodacom has decided to respond with a specific programme to assist the youth,” said Takalani Netshitenzhe, Chief Executive Officer for Vodacom Group Corporate Affairs.
He said through the Change the World programme, the youth are afforded a unique opportunity to do something close to their heart, while imparting their ICT skills to help society.
As the impacts of the fourth industrial revolution are going to be felt hardest by the youth and women in particular, the initiative is seen as an opportunity to help bridge the digital divide in communities while preparing youth for a future in a fast digitising world.
“I am pleased to see that many young females are being placed on the programme and their task is to ensure that more young females are empowered through digital literacy and skills,” Netshitenzhe said.
The Vodacom Change the World programme was introduced in 2011, giving individuals the opportunity to volunteer their time and skills to work for a NPO for 12 months.
To date, 111 volunteers have made a difference through their placement at a wide range of NPOs.
– CAJ News