Keanan Harmse
Up to 25 young graduates from Lavender Hill gained new skills to aid their career pursuits and received certificates after completing a two-month training programme.
This initiative, the Youth Ambassadors Programme, funded and launched by Ward 110 councillor Shannen Rossouw, aimed to upskill local youth and enhance their employability.
According to one of the organisers, Greg Philander, participants were guided by facilitators Sheila Leucas, Zelna Fouten, Bradwin Daniels, Donnay Williams and him.
The graduates received their certificates on Friday 27 June at the Lavender Hill Shared Facility.
The course included a wide variety of
subjects, which included:
. Learner’s licence preparation
. Work-skills training
. Substance-abuse awareness
. Crime-prevention strategies
. First-aid Level 1 certification.
A task team of community leaders with experience in youth development was handpicked to oversee the process.
“This holistic programme was carefully designed to equip the youth with essential skills, boosting their confidence and CVs to increase their chances of securing employment,” Philander said. “Rossouw’s commitment to empowering local youth is truly commendable. Her initiative has not only provided young people with valuable skills, but has also demonstrated her dedication to creating a brighter future for our community. We are extremely proud that in this period 23 of the youth found employment through this initiative.”
Graduate Ashton Janice Cedras (20) said he struggled for two years to land a job and was desperate for employment.
“I was even prepared to take any kind of job because I knew with my disability it would not be easy to find a suitable career.
“But then two months ago I heard about the Youth Ambassadors Programme and decided to apply and was so grateful that my application was successful. The mentors developed, mentored, and coached us in so many ways in job readiness.”
After completing the course he secured employment after applying for a position at Blouvlei Special Needs School and is currently assistant.
