Purpose: The Youth Environmental Service (YES) Programme aims to:
- Promote sustainable development and conservation of natural resources.
- Protect and improve the quality and safety of the environment.
- Prevent and reduce environmental pollution and waste.
- Continuously improve the atmosphere and air quality.
- Create suitable conditions for sustainable growth and development.
Implementation Goals: The programme instills a culture of pride and ownership towards environmental management. It falls under the Extended Public Works Programme (EPWP), which has significantly contributed to poverty alleviation and job creation in KwaZulu-Natal. The YES programme is especially beneficial to rural areas that are conducive to agricultural-driven projects.
Target and Benefits:
- Primary Target: Youth are the main beneficiaries and agents of the programme.
- Skills Development: Youth will gain scarce skills needed to improve the economy through:
- Farming and permaculture
- Tree planting, fostering nature, and promoting environmental well-being for future generations
- Eradication of alien vegetation to enhance ecological integrity
- Environmental education, raising awareness about environmental issues and conservation within local communities