Are you a young South African passionate about helping learners and gaining valuable work experience in schools? The Department of Basic Education’s Education Assistant Programme could be your chance to make a real difference while developing your skills for the future.
👩🏫 What is the Education Assistant Programme?
The Education Assistant Programme is part of the Presidential Youth Employment Initiative (PYEI), aimed at reducing youth unemployment by placing unemployed young people in public schools as Education Assistants (EAs) and General School Assistants (GSAs).
This initiative gives youth the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the education sector, earn a stipend, and contribute to improving the quality of learning in South Africa.
📌 Roles Available
Participants are placed in two main categories:
1. Education Assistants (EAs)
- Support teachers in the classroom
- Help with reading and literacy
- Assist with marking and admin tasks
- Provide general academic support
2. General School Assistants (GSAs)
- Assist with school maintenance
- Help with safety and COVID-19 protocols
- Provide admin or technical support
- Work in areas like ICT, library, or sports
✅ Who Can Apply?
To qualify for the programme, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be between 18 and 34 years old
- Be unemployed and not studying full-time
- Live close to the school you’re applying to
- Have Grade 12 (Matric) or relevant qualifications (depending on the role)
- No criminal record
Additional skills like computer literacy, experience with tutoring, or youth leadership can be an advantage.
💰 Stipend and Benefits
- Monthly stipend: Around R4,000
- Work experience: Hands-on exposure in schools
- Skills development: Participants often receive training in digital literacy, child development, and more
- Reference letters and career guidance to help with future job opportunities
📅 When and How to Apply
Recruitment happens in phases, and applications are submitted online through the SA Youth Mobi platform:
👉 Apply here: https://sayouth.mobi (Free to use, no data costs on most networks)
Applications are usually announced by the Department of Basic Education and shared across platforms like radio, social media, and SA Youth.
🏫 Why This Programme Matters
The Education Assistant Programme:
- Helps young people get practical work experience
- Reduces the unemployment rate among youth
- Improves the learning environment in under-resourced schools
- Builds a stronger education system from the ground up
🌟 Final Thoughts
If you’re a young person looking for work experience, a passion for education, or just want to make a difference in your community, the Education Assistant Programme is an excellent opportunity.
Stay updated and ready for the next application phase – your journey into the education sector could start here!
Kurnell
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