The Skills Programme
In 2021 a Skills Programme was set up for both children and adults. The fund wanted to utilise the Friday afternoons, when there is no homework school. We identified two large gaps in the Curriculum of government Junior Schools. No computer skills are taught, despite more and more assignments being set on computers with no access to computers at home. And there are no Arts and Crafts classes at school for the children to express themselves.
Computer Programme for Children
The computer skills programme teaches all Grade 6 children basic computer skills as well as teaching all Grade 7 children (12 - 13yrs) to complete a Computer Skills Course. This enables them to have the ability to write their school projects on the computer, preparing them for High School.
To enhance the children’s learning, the fund purchased four new laptops and upgraded the software on 6 other computers as well as purchasing a projector and a screen. The screen is used for both educational programmes as well as entertainment for the children during the holidays, allowing them to watch films with popcorn and fun drinks.
Plumbing Workshops for Women
The Skills Programme also offers plumbing workshops for parents and community members, helping women become more self-sufficient and it has even enabled some women to gain employment.
Plumbing workshops came to our attention when it was highlighted that women home alone won’t ask for help with basic plumbing needs due to the high rate of violence and rape in the township.
Since we started, we have had a total of 216 attendees; of 35 regulars 6 have been appointed as water ambassadors for the township and have already been attending to minor repairs under the guidance of a skilled plumber.
We are proud to share that one women from the programme has been given full time employment in plumbing with an apprenticeship and two women have been selected for an entrepreneurial programme in Business skills, for 2022 sponsored by the supermarket chain Woolworths. These workshops are on going throughout the year.
Arts & Crafts Programme for Children
In 2021 the Arts & Crafts programme was completed by 40 children aged between 8 and 12. During the programme, the children visited local art galleries and for many, this was their first excursion out of the Township.
As the programme began to grow, the school held its first Art Exhibition in 2022 and many parents and dignitaries of the township. attended. It also attracted interest from the Press since this was the only Arts Programme in the Township and since has led onto the centre hosting an annual Arts & Culture Exhibition including art, poetry and drama for the whole community.
There is a 75% unemployment rate in the Township and we soon realised that we can help the children and their parents by using the centre as a facilitator to offer more opportunities to the children as well as providing them with a cooked lunch during the day of study.
What is Next For the Skills Programme?
For the Children, our goal is to set up a Library Programme with a Librarian where each week adults read stories to the children and they are taught to read in both English and Xhosa. Story telling is an important part of the Xhosa culture and this is something that we want to embrace.
We would also like to expand the Skills Programme to include subjects such as Photography and workshops to learn more about sustainability and working with recycled plastics. There is already an established craft market in South Africa where items are made from recycled material and we feel it is important to introduce the children to sustainability and craftsmanship.
For the Community, our vision is to work with other Non Government Organisations to create more Skills Programmes such as DIY workshops for both men and women to further up-skill and enable employment opportunities.