Scouting prepares young people to be ready for life.  For the Yeboneer youth leaders within the Western Cape Scouting-in-Schools programme that means preparing for the interview that could open the next door.

Earlier this week, 315 youth leaders from around the Cape Flats took part in practice job interviews. This initiative gives them the opportunity to experience the nerves, challenge and excitement of an interview in a safe space before facing the real-world experience.

For SCOUTS South Africa CEO Wayne du Plessis, providing opportunities to develop real world skills is what sets this programme apart. “For many young people, that first or second interview can be intimidating. A mock interview gives our YeBoneer youth leaders a chance to experience it before it really counts. It allows them to make mistakes, learn from them and build their confidence. It’s not about teaching them the perfect answers but rather it’s about helping them realise that they have something to offer and giving them the confidence to put themselves forward.”

Where Scouting-in-Schools helps empower thousands of learners each week, it also creates spaces where the youth leaders can develop the leadership, resilience, and communication skills needed to step into further careers with confidence.