City of Cape Town employees, predominantly from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, had an opportunity to showcase their literacy skills during a reading competition held at the Parow Civic Centre.
The employees obtained these skills after joining the Adult Education and Training (AET) programme; skills which they were able to showcase last week during the annual AET Reading Competition. The event was hosted by the City’s Corporate Services Directorate on Thursday 9 April.
The learners are staff members from various depots and departments within the City, each having a desire to empower themselves and to achieve personal growth, the City said.
“These proud participants enjoyed showcasing their reading skills and were recognised for their hard work and drive to empower themselves with literacy despite their age or demanding lives. This programme is offered to all City staff who do not have a first qualification on the National Qualifications Framework. We hope that today’s competition encourages other staff members to embark on this journey to improve their everyday lives and access further developmental opportunities at their workplace,” said Theresa Uys, Mayco member for corporate services.
The participants at this year’s competition are from Mfuleni, Mitchells Plain, Kalksteenfontein, Rylands, Lavender Hill, Retreat, Lotus River, Gugulethu, Seawinds, Hanover Park, Strandfontein, and Kewtown.
The winners were awarded first, second and third place respectively, and a certificate for participation and hard work.
The programme has been running successfully and empowering staff for over 25 years and attracts participants aged between 25 years to 65 years.
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