Empowering Youth Through Skills and Sustainability: G20 Exhibition and Dialogue at Taung and Jouberton
- Karen Scheepers
- Sep 3
- 3 min read
August 2025 proved to be a month of growth and inspiration for two TVET campuses in the North West province. The G20 Exhibition and Dialogue first arrived at Jouberton Campus on 21–22 August, before concluding at Taung Campus on 29 August. These events united students, lecturers, and stakeholders in an exchange of ideas centered on solidarity, equality, and sustainability.
Far more than academic gatherings, the exhibitions and dialogues provided platforms to explore global skills trends, the demands of the future workplace, and the vital role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in preparing young leaders to take their place in society.
Purpose of the Initiative
The G20 Exhibition and Dialogue was designed to connect education with global realities. Organizers emphasized that preparing young people for the future requires aligning local learning with international developments.
The events achieved this by:
Exploring global skills trends to highlight shifting demands in the economy.
Encouraging innovation and creative thinking among learners.
Promoting sustainability as a guiding principle for education and industry.
Uniting stakeholders from education, government, and the private sector to strengthen collaboration.
Through this approach, students were reminded that they are not simply participants in the economy, but active leaders and changemakers shaping the communities of tomorrow.
Taung Campus: Solidarity and Equality
When Taung Campus concluded its event on 29 August, the emphasis was firmly on equality and sustainable progress. Students, exhibitors, and officials reflected on how education can foster opportunities for all, particularly in underserved communities.
Speakers underscored the importance of:
Inclusive education models that provide fair opportunities to every learner.
Collaboration between industry and institutions to align skills development with employment prospects.
Empowering youth to take ownership of their roles as innovators and leaders in sustainable economic growth.
The Student Representative Council (SRC) played an important role in shaping the event, reminding their peers that leadership starts with participation and responsibility within the campus community itself.
Jouberton Campus: Preparing for the Future of Work
Earlier in the month, Jouberton Campus welcomed the G20 Exhibition and Dialogue on 21–22 August, with discussions heavily focused on the future of work. Global shifts in technology, sustainability, and innovation provided the backdrop for learners to consider how their education prepares them for real-world challenges.
Students were encouraged to:
See themselves as problem solvers and entrepreneurs, not just job seekers.
Cultivate adaptability and resilience in fast-changing workplaces.
Link classroom learning to practical solutions that improve both local communities and broader economies.
Practical exhibitions at Jouberton gave students a glimpse of industry expectations, bridging theory with application. The message was clear: education does not end at graduation, it evolves alongside societal needs.
The Central Role of TVET
Both events reinforced the vital position of the TVET sector in national and global development. By equipping young people with technical expertise, critical thinking, and social responsibility, TVET institutions are ensuring that graduates contribute meaningfully to both local and international economies.
The dialogues emphasized that TVET is not only about providing skills for employment. It is about:
Building stronger communities through relevant training.
Promoting global competitiveness while addressing local needs.
Encouraging leadership and civic responsibility among young people.
Gratitude and Impact
Organisers expressed gratitude to exhibitors, officials, G20 partners, and student leaders at both campuses. Their contributions ensured that the events were more than symbolic, they became practical milestones in empowering students for sustainable futures.
The success of the G20 Exhibition and Dialogue at Taung and Jouberton highlights the power of education when it embraces equality, sustainability, and innovation. By connecting learners with global trends and industry insights, the campuses have set an example of how education can transform aspirations into action.
Moving Forward with Purpose
The exhibitions may have concluded in August, but their legacy is ongoing. Students left with a deeper awareness of their potential as leaders and innovators, while institutions reaffirmed their responsibility to provide inclusive and relevant education.
By uniting education, industry, and global initiatives, the G20 Exhibition and Dialogue proved that today’s learners are not waiting for tomorrow to arrive, they are already shaping it.
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