Resources are often stretched, funding is limited and many people with disabilities across the Overberg continue to face barriers to equal opportunity. High unemployment, limited rural infrastructure and restricted access to specialised services remain ongoing challenges.

However, through collaborative partnerships meaningful change is possible. RAM Hand-to-Hand Couriers, together with Agape Church and the Eagles Nest Foundation Learning Centre, is supporting a new entrepreneurship initiative in Grabouw aimed at equipping people with disabilities with practical business skills and opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

RAM supports disability-focused initiatives and also promotes socio-economic development through job creation and youth training programmes, including professional driving learnerships.

Representatives of RAM visited Grabouw on 28 May, when they committed to supporting 20 learners through a one-year programme focused on helping participants start and sustain their own businesses. According to Samantha Timm from Smartlearna Agape Church assisted in identifying learners for the initiative.

“We cannot thank RAM enough for what it is doing for us. This is a one-year programme to which the students must commit themselves, and RAM is funding this initiative. It is an incredible opportunity.”

Natiesha Karim of RAM described the initiative as a “Pay It Forward” project.

“We are committed to supporting greater inclusion and access to opportunity for people with disabilities. In many communities people with disabilities still face barriers to transport, employment and everyday access. This is one of the reasons we are undertaking these projects across the country.”

Karim explained that the programme focuses on creating sustainable opportunities through entrepreneurship and skills development. “People with disabilities may face unique barriers to employment and access to opportunity. Through entrepreneurship, we hope to support greater flexibility, independence and long-term sustainability. It is important to us that these businesses are sustainable and continue creating value well into the future.”

She added that the programme is designed not only to provide practical skills, but also to inspire others. “After receiving their certificates we hope participants will inspire others in their communities to pursue their goals, develop sustainable livelihoods and embrace new opportunities.”

For the 20 learners it was a memorable day filled with anticipation and hope as they completed their registration forms and looked forward to the year ahead, Timm said, “when you complete these registration forms you are committing yourself to this programme for an entire year. Let us support one another and stand by one another so that together we can make this journey a success.”

Through Eagles Nest learners also have access to a computer centre and library. Timm invited Hermanus Times readers and local schools to support the initiative through book donations.

For more information or to contribute, contact Samantha Timm on 062 425 8320.