For some time, REAP has been grappling with how to assist learners who either do not qualify, or don’t want to pursue studies at university or TVET level. This is actually the case for the great majority of rural learners. The consequence is that unacceptably high proportions of South African youth find themselves staying at home and not in any form or education, training or employment. Sadly this becomes a catalyst for various ills such as social unrest, substance misuse, unplanned pregnancies and mental health challenges.
As a direct response to this issue, REAP has conceptualized and launched the Post-School Opportunities Programme (P-SOP). The main goal of the Programme is to assist youth to be better prepared for post-school study or training and /or to become personally and economically sustainable.
The P-SOP Club provides a structured and supportive space where young people can meet regularly to develop essential life skills related to post-school study and employment. Participants are supported to strengthen their computer and English proficiency, explore training and employment pathways aligned with their interests, and consider options for achieving personal and economic sustainability. The programme assists those intending to study at TVET colleges or universities with application processes while also seeking to connect other participants to appropriate training opportunities, work-shadowing, or skills development once their areas of interest have been identified.
The programme consists of two streams.
The Alternative Opportunities (Alt Opps) stream is intended for young people who do not plan to pursue a diploma or degree at a TVET college or university, but who are likely to engage in various forms of skills training. Participants in this stream may remain in the programme for up to two years.
The Gap stream is designed for those intending to pursue diploma or degree studies at a TVET college or university and is structured as a shorter-term intervention of between six and twelve months.
Young people who participate in the P-SOP Club are expected to benefit from a range of outcomes. These include access to a supportive environment that enables them to set realistic and achievable goals, increased confidence to make informed decisions and take ownership of their post-school pathways, and exposure to coaching, mentorship, and workshops focused on personal and vocational development. Participants are coached to develop attitudes, behaviours, and values aligned with study and workplace expectations, improve their computer literacy and English communication skills, and strengthen their ability to network and present themselves effectively. Furthermore, they will gain access to information, linkages, and opportunities related to training, employment, entrepreneurship, and, where appropriate, accredited skills training in their chosen fields. Participants with entrepreneurial interests may also acquire business skills through initiatives such as the NYDA, SEDA, and similar programmes.
