At a time when globally youth unemployment is on the rise and the needs of youth are
moving up on the agenda, the research aims to explore in particular the experiences of
marginalized youth in South Africa. Through comparatively exploring the experiences of
youth from rural, township and urban backgrounds and their participation in a youth
employability programme, the study hopes to better understand the significance of special
post-school training and approaches and youths’ perceptions four years after programme
completion. Through the case study it is hoped we can unpack the components or ‘ingredients’
that seem to make a difference, understand how they can be implemented and thus stimulate
discussion on broadening the parameters of traditional youth programming.