The Need
South Africa continues to face a literacy crisis. More than 80% of Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning in any language, limiting their ability to learn and succeed throughout their schooling.
Many learners enter primary school without strong foundational literacy and numeracy skills, making it difficult to keep up academically as they progress through the education system.
The youthPROFILER Education Programme was developed to identify learning gaps early and provide targeted support that helps learners build the essential skills they need to thrive.
youth@WORK Solution
Through the programme, youth@WORK recruits, trains and employs young education graduates and aspiring teachers as Learner Profilers.
These profilers work in Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and primary schools across Gauteng, conducting Reading for Meaning assessments, identifying learning barriers and supporting learners through targeted interventions. At the same time, the programme equips young professionals with valuable practical experience and skills that improve their own employability.
To date, youth@WORK has trained and employed 14 Learner Profilers who have supported schools and ECD centres across the province.
The Result
The programme has delivered measurable improvements in learner outcomes. Some learners have improved their academic performance by up to 60% after participating in the youthPROFILER programme.
Early identification of learning challenges enables schools to provide more effective support, helping learners develop stronger foundations in literacy and numeracy.
Key Outcomes
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Significant Academic Progress: Learners in the program achieved academic performance improvements of up to 60% through targeted literacy and numeracy support.
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Large-Scale Learner Support: Screened and provided early-intervention support to more than 15,000 learners across Gauteng schools and ECD centers.
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Youth Employment & Upskilling: Trained and employed 14 education graduates and aspiring teachers as Learner Profilers, giving them vital practical experience.
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Career Pathways for Educators: Facilitated permanent job placement for program alumni within government schools, creating lasting career opportunities in education.
The Impact
Since its inception, the youthPROFILER Education Programme has screened and supported more than 15,000 learners across multiple phases of schooling.
The impact extends beyond the classroom. Many of the young people employed as Learner Profilers have gone on to secure permanent positions within government schools, continuing to apply the skills and experience gained through the programme to improve education outcomes for future generations.
