IT was in the spirit of changing lives and giving people a second chance that the People Upliftment Programme Nelson Mandela Bay opened its doors on April 17, 2017.
POPUP, as it’s affectionately known, has a vision to uplift and bring restoration to individuals and communities around Nelson Mandela Bay, and enabling them to be able to impact on their world in turn.
They provide services to persons living in Port Elizabeth and surrounding areas who are between the ages of 18 and 45, unemployed and with no access to tertiary education.
These individuals should be able to read, write and speak English.
Learners start with a compulsory six-week life skills programme. The aim of this programme is to bring wholeness and restoration to individuals and to assist in practical needs.
After completion, participants have the opportunity to choose a specific skill to use in a workplace. Some of POPUP’s accredited skills include end user computer, sewing and barista training.
One of the learners who completed the programme at POPUP and wished to remain anonymous, said, “I started at POPUP in 2017. I was not happy during the life skills programme, but for some reason I kept coming back. During the programme I started caring not only about myself, but also about other people. I learnt that everybody has a story, and that I can’t judge.
“The most important thing I got out of life skills was knowledge about the Word of God and learning to connect with Him in ways I never thought possible.
“Today, I am permanently employed at a local optometrist. I would never have had the opportunity if it was not for POPUP.
“I am eternally grateful towards God and POPUP for the opportunities I received.”
The next life skills classes start on Monday, April 29, at Piet Retief Primary School in Sidwell at 08:30. For registration, learners must bring R120, a copy of their ID and a copy of their highest qualification. The fee includes all stationery, books and a meal each day.
Registration takes place Monday to Thursday from 08:30 to 15:00. For more info contact POPUP NMB at nmb@popup.co.za or visit the POPUP Nelson Mandela Bay Facebook page.
