Youth & Covid-19 Dialogue – Impact on jobs, education, rights and mental well-being

This month South Africa is commemorating the youth of 1976 which fought for equal education. June 16 is used to remember the uprising that resulted in the deaths of many people and also used to reflect on how far the country has come in addressing issues affecting the youth. Forty-five years later, today’s youth face extraordinary global challenges. Worsening modern conflicts, climate change, increasing gaps of inequality, and now COVID-19. The pandemic has brought with it a lot of uncertainty for young peoples’ futures. It has caused significant economic and social impacts, to which young people are particularly vulnerable, with many at risk of being left behind in education, economic opportunities as well as health and well-being at a critical stage in life development. At Sisekelo Sustainability Institute, we would like to respond to the crisis in an innovative and positive way. We aren’t letting COVID-19 stop us! We are persisting despite the challenges and uncertainty to help others and do what we are passionate about.

• Covid-19 impact on young people
• Impact of COVID-19 on education and employment of young people
• Impact of COVID-19 on young people’s mental well-being
• Actions crucial to building back stronger (Youth Power)
• Accelerated digital transformation as an opportunity