The Basic Package of Support (BPS) programme continues to make a positive impact in communities such as Orange Farm and Poortjie by helping vulnerable young people access education, skills development, psychosocial support, and employment opportunities.
The programme focuses on supporting youth who are Not in Employment, Education, or Training (NEET) through personalised coaching, career guidance, work-readiness training, and referrals to opportunities such as learnerships, internships, bursaries, and training programmes. BPS also provides emotional and psychosocial support to help young people overcome personal and social challenges that may prevent them from reaching their goals.
Through its Community of Practice model, BPS works closely with youth coaches, NGOs, community organisations, government departments, and employers to strengthen support systems for young people. The initiative encourages collaboration, skills sharing, and improved access to services and opportunities within the community.
According to Mosiwa Malula,BPS Orange Farm Hub manager, the programme has helped restore hope among many young people in the area.
“We have been able to support vulnerable youth in Orange Farm and Poortjie to access education, skills development, psychosocial support, and employment pathways. Through strengthened Communities of Practice, young people now have a renewed sense of hope for their future. They feel recognised as important leaders of tomorrow and are part of a system that believes in their potential,” said Malula.
BPS identifies vulnerable youth through community outreach programmes, awareness campaigns, partnerships with local stakeholders, and youth mobilisers who engage directly with young people in the community. The programme also assists youth facing challenges such as unemployment, poverty, school dropout, mental health struggles, and lack of access to information and opportunities.
For more information, residents can contact BPS Orange Farm Hub on 067 811 0234, email: mosiwa.malula@uct.ac.za or mosiwam@bpsforyouth.org or visit BPS for Youth.
