THE People Upliftment Programme Nelson Mandela Bay is on a mission to give back to the community.
Better known as POPUP, the skills development centre for adults is situated at Piet Retief Primary School in Sidwell. According to general manager of POPUP Nelson Mandela Bay, Louise van Heerden, their vision is to transform lives and uplift individuals to impact their world.
“One of the ways we aim at achie- ving this is by giving our learners the opportunity to give back to the community as part of their first six-week programme at POPUP.
“As Piet Retief Primary kindly shares facilities with POPUP, it was decided that the learners of the first life skills programme of 2019 would paint the school’s art class, making the dream of POPUP a reality: ‘To rebuild; renew and restore.’”
Van Heerden further said the learners showed initiative in doing even more than was expected by adding some colour to the class and painting all the chairs vibrant colours.
“We are very grateful towards the learners of POPUP for giving so selflessly. The learners’ mind-set of giving and not always wanting something in return is rubbing off on our children and the community,” said school principal Christa Groenewald.
Piet Retief was established in 1907, and strives to raise children who would be able to impact on their communities positively – linking with POPUP’s vision of impacting individuals to first transform within themselves in order to help transform their families, communities and the country.
POPUP and Piet Retief Primary joined forces in early 2017, during which time, four classrooms have been renovated, the school’s kitchen had a makeover and countless learners have been impacted.
Registration for POPUP’s next life skills class, which starts on April 29, is already open. Potential learners can register from Monday to Friday between 08:30 and 15:00 and must bring a copy of their ID and a once-off R120 registration fee.
POPUP also offers specific skills training such as sewing, computer skills and home-based care after the completion of the life skills course.
For more info contact 064 620 8537 or nmb@popup.co.za, or visit the POPUP Nelson Mandela Bay Facebook page.
