The Department of Arts and Culture and the National Youth Development Agency have joined forces to support young South Africans with an ambition to excel in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector. On Friday, 27 January 2012, the two parities will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will signify the start of a partnership that aims to enhance the employability of youth in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector through the Trendsetter Initiative.

The Trendsetter Initiative is a 12 months apprenticeship and trade skills programme that has the following process cycle:

• Recruitment and Selection - Young people will be recruited and selected through community arts centres

• Induction and Basic Training -  Training will include orientation and programme specific training such as basic training in Performing Arts (Theatre, Music and Storytelling), basic training in Visual Arts and Visual literacy, basic training in Heritage and promotion of National Symbols
• Programme Implementation - Trendsetters (the trained young people) will be in a position to assist other young people who are ready to improve and grow in the Arts, Culture and Heritage Sector. Each Trendsetter will recruit and mentor 15 other young people through platforms such as face to face interaction, workshops and community arts and cultural events
• Advanced Training (Personal Development) – Training will focus on  personal development and life skills for Trendsetters, this will include training on developing a winning curriculum vitae, financial management, project management, presentation skills and so forth
• Exit Opportunities – The NYDA and DAC will facilitate employment and other opportunities for the Trendsetters through its strategic alliances with the public and private sector and international bodies

The Trendsetter Initiative falls under the National Youth Service Programme, a government programme that not only provides youth with meaningful and accredited skills and activities, but also incorporates voluntary activities which contribute to personal, community and national development. Members of the media are invited to the launch of the partnership.

Date: Friday, 27 January 2012
Venue: State Theatre, Pretoria
Time: 09:00

Speakers: Sibusiso Xaba, Director-General of Department of Arts and Culture
                  Steven Ngubeni, National Youth Development Agency CEO

For media enquiries and RSVPs please contact:

Refilwe Mphane
National Youth Development Agency
011 651 7175 / 084 308 5860 / rmphane@nyda.gov.za

Name and surname Mack Lewele
Department of Arts and Culture
Contact details 012 441 3084/ 082 450 5076/mack.lewele@dac.gov.za