LOCAL skills development centre, POPUP, will be hosting an open day soon to create awareness around courses offered and provide an opportunity for potential students to engage with facilitators and former students.
The People Upliftment Programme, more commonly known as NPO POPUP, has been based in Sidwell for the past three years, but according to facilitator and administrator, Tania Giessing, it seems that not everyone in the community is aware of the career upliftment opportunities at the organisation.
“People in the area know about us but are not aware of what we do.
“They might also be too shy to ask, so they just completely stay away,” Giessing said.
Therefore, POPUP has decided to host an open day on November 27 at the Dutch Reformed Church (N.G. Kerk) in Sidwell, starting at 09:00 until 12:00.
“The open day is aimed at all unemployed members of the community, between the ages of 18 and 45, who can read and write. There will be information available about all skills development programmes,” Giessing explained.
“As an organisation, POPUP is in a position to give hope to thousands of people because of our successful skills programmes. People are given the opportunity to gain skills that could help them find jobs or even start their own businesses.
“Here we believe that transformation takes place from a holistic viewpoint and that it touches the heart and mind of a person in such a manner that it is reflected from the inside.
“This transformation leads to a changed person that can have a positive influence on their immediate environment, households, families and communities,” Giessing said.
Potential students would have to complete three programmes at POPUP. Everyone has to start with life skills training for six weeks.
Thereafter they’ll continue with adult education and training (AET) that will focus on English and mathematics and last for three months.
“As soon as these two steps are completed, students can start with skills training. Each programme requires a R150 registration fee.
“We also help them create CVs and send these CVs to companies that have the available job opportunities. Students will then be contacted for an interview,” Giessing added.
“POPUP means hope for a better future because that is what they have done for me. I was also a student here and I cannot describe in words how they have changed my life,” Giessing emphasised.
Those interested in the programmes at POPUP or would like more information about the open day, can send an email to Giessing at tania.giessing@popup.co.za.
Their offices can also be visited at 18 Piet Retief Street, Sidwell.
