The Bergrivier Youth Development Programme, which launched in January, has already received an offer to employ 100 local young people.
An initiative of the Bergrivier Tourism Organisation (BTO) to empower and support marginalised young people from the local communities and help them develop the skills they need to become employable in the tourism sector, the Youth Development Programme is partnering with one of the largest luxury cruise line operators in the world.
“This is an exceptional opportunity for our young people and we are so excited at the prospects for them,” said Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of BTO.
To qualify for jobs on cruise liners, International Maritime Law requires these young people to obtain Seafarer safety certifications and medical assessments which cost up to R15 000 (€730) per person.
“On their own, they will never realise this dream of working on a cruise ship so the Bergrivier Youth Development Programme is working to assist these disadvantaged youths…
