Fit for Life, Fit for Work is a youth development initiative with a unique evidence-based ethos, catering to youth between the ages of 18 and 30. The initiative provides participants with skills, knowledge and helps them develop positive attitudes to effectively compete in the job market. It aims to reduce risk-taking behaviour through improved economic prospects, heightened sensitivity to sexual and reproductive health and rights issues and enhanced self-esteem.

The initiative was piloted in South Africa by the Etafeni Trust in 2007. After demonstrated success, the programme was replicated in three other communities: Nwa’mitwa, Tzaneen (2009), Vrygrond, Cape Town (2009) and Hillbrow, Johannesburg (2010). After the participants graduate from the “Fit for Life” course, they move into work skills training: English, computer skills, driving lessons and many other work-related courses. They are also assisted to find work. The initiative has had, for the past three years, an 80% success rate in placing our graduates in either paid employment, stipend internships or tertiary studies with a bursary.

To learn more about the organisation, follow them on Facebook.