Latest news with #PathwaysProgramme
Scotsman
08-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Dumfries and Galloway College boosted by new SOSE investment to help tackle digital poverty
Dumfries and Galloway College (DGC) is proud to announce it has taken a significant step forward in addressing digital poverty and empowering student innovation, thanks to a £50,000 investment from South of Scotland Enterprise (SOSE). Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The funding has enabled the college to deliver a major upgrade to its wireless infrastructure and invest in a new range of modern laptops, boosting digital inclusion and enhancing learning opportunities for students across both the Dumfries and Stranraer campuses. These devices will be available to students to support their learning, drive innovation projects and explore entrepreneurial ventures. By equipping learners with the tools they need to succeed, the college aims to foster confidence, creativity and develop skillsets that align with regional and national ambitions for economic growth. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the same time, the upgraded Wi-Fi access points have significantly improved campus-wide connectivity, ensuring students will benefit from a digitally secure and reliable learning environment. This is particularly vital for students from rural or lower-income backgrounds, where access to high-quality digital resources can often be a barrier to success. Douglas Dickson, Principal and CEO, Dumfries and Galloway College Kirstie Scrimgeour, Entrepreneurship Lead at SOSE, said: 'SOSE is delighted to support Dumfries and Galloway College with this digital inclusion and entrepreneurial development project. 'This assistance came from our Pathways programme, which is a Scottish Government-funded pilot supporting the ambitions of new and under-represented founders across the South of Scotland. 'Pathways provided specialist coaching to 269 existing or prospective business founders across the South in 2024/2025 to help kick-start their business ideas and build business confidence. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'SOSE is continuing its efforts to work with all of our region's colleges to deliver more entrepreneurial activity this year as part of the Pathways Programme.' Douglas Dickson, Principal and CEO, Dumfries and Galloway College, said: 'We are grateful to South of Scotland Enterprise for this valuable investment. By improving our digital infrastructure and providing students with access to modern laptops, we are tackling digital poverty head-on and creating an inclusive, future-focused learning environment. 'These resources will support our students not only in their day-to-day studies, but also in developing entrepreneurial skills, testing new ideas and contributing to the economic future of the South of Scotland.'
The Citizen
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
WATCH: Kids Haven's Pathways opens doors for vulnerable youth
Feeling like a rudderless boat in a vast sea of unattainable goals, Brakpan resident Kholiwe Mbyuisa felt the grip of poverty tightening around her. In search of a solution that could offer personal growth and a path to employment, Kholiwe pinned her final hopes on Kids Haven's Pathways Programme. She joined the 12-week youth development programme in 2023, hesitant but determined. Her only prayer was to rise above her circumstances and explore career paths that once felt out of reach. On July 24, dressed in a yellow shirt that made her resemble a blooming sunflower, Kholiwe welcomed corporate guests to Kids Haven's Cranbourne Avenue facility. The occasion aimed to garner support for a programme that equips vulnerable youth with essential work experience and builds connections with potential employers. 'At Kids Haven we walk the walk,' said programme coordinator Ilke Stein. Kholiwe showed a natural talent for administrative and frontline duties. ALSO READ: Corporates invited to partner with Kids Haven 'During her learnership, when one of our receptionists fell ill, she stepped in without hesitation. She was so well-suited to the role that no one noticed any disruption in operations.' Now working in the fundraising department at Kids Haven's Bryanston office, Kholiwe is also completing a related degree. 'Where there was once no hope, this programme helped me unlock my confidence and potential. It allowed me to spread my wings and break free from the shackles that once held me back,' she said with pride. She urged the visiting corporates to support the initiative, describing it as a catalyst for change. 'With so many corporates present, I implore you to partner with this programme. It creates ripples of opportunity for others who dream of following in our footsteps.' Her moving words drew heartfelt applause. As eyes turned to the other yellow-shirted youths in the room, there was a shared recognition of the drive and hunger for success reflected in their faces. 'Through our programme, we aim to tap into social capital,' said Stein. 'We want to build networks that open doors for young people, whether through career guidance, job shadowing, mentoring, internships or job placements. 'We offer a wraparound approach, including counselling and guidance, and we treat every youth's expectations both holistically and realistically. 'We're not here to provide cookie-cutter solutions. We take time to understand each young person's strengths and align them with the opportunities that best suit them.' Dylan Petzer, national vice-chairperson of the Tyre Equipment Parts Association (TEPA), a member of the Retail Motor Industry Organisation (RMI), took the podium to announce the organisation's commitment to partnering with Kids Haven. 'As corporates, we have the power to help guide youth into adulthood,' he said. 'This is our opportunity to build futures. All that's needed is the willingness to invest in them and help unlock their potential.' Ways to get involved in the Pathways Programme include: • Job shadowing: Provide industry exposure to help young people visualise career paths. • Internships: Offer short- to medium-term placements. Kids Haven will cover initial stipends and transport. • Learnerships: Deliver accredited training that builds skills and opens doors to employment. • Entry-level placements: Access a pool of well-supported, motivated candidates who have been screened and matched. • Mentorship and soft skills training: Share your time and expertise to inspire the next generation. • Career expos: Help teenagers make informed subject and career choices. • Entrepreneurial experience: Partner with young entrepreneurs through hands-on projects that foster creativity and self-reliance. For more information about the programme, email [email protected] or [email protected] ALSO READ: Kids Haven teens get real about gender-based violence
