Once unemployed and her life unorganised, a student of FCD Skills Centre in Durbanville is now employed full-time after completing a course.

This is the success story of Anelisa Mandzingane, who has graduated in the hospitality and housekeeping programme.

After completing the programme, she was offered a full-time position at Evertsdal Guest House as an all-round assistant.

Educational programme

“Before joining the FCD programme, my life was unorganised, and I didn’t even know that FCD Skills Centre existed until someone encouraged me to apply.

“Joining the programme was an exciting experience. I met wonderful people. The trainers were kind and supportive, and what I loved most was that they believed in God. That encouraged me to continue with the programme until the very end. The programme was very educational and taught me so much.

“Relocating for the position gave me the opportunity for a fresh start. I have become a fast learner, and the kindness, patience and warm welcome from everyone at Evertsdal Guest House have made it easy for me to grow in my role,” she says.

Her story is one of many at FCD Skills Centre. Today, eight out of ten graduates are economically active after completing their training — “demonstrating the life-changing impact of practical skills development”, says Jane Gelderman, chief executive officer of FCD Skills Centre.

Mandela Day

The centre recently launched its Mandela Day campaign to create lasting opportunities.

This Mandela Day, the centre is inviting the community to make an impact that lasts far beyond 67 minutes.

With its “Your 67 Minutes Can Last a Lifetime” campaign, it aims to find 67 monthly sponsors, who will each commit R100 per month to help create opportunities for unemployed individuals through skills development and training.

Legacy of service

Inspired by Nelson Mandela’s legacy of service, the campaign encourages people to turn a once-a-year act of kindness into an ongoing investment in the future of others.

FCD is a faith-based, non-profit organisation serving Durbanville, Fisantekraal, and the greater Cape Town area.

“Since 2010, we have been equipping unemployed individuals with practical skills training through 13 sponsored short skills programmes across various industries,” she says .

Every monthly sponsorship helps equip unemployed individuals with industry-aligned skills and pathways to economic activity, creating opportunities that can last a lifetime, Gelderman says.

Contributing R100

Community members, businesses, churches and organisations are encouraged to become one of the 67 monthly sponsors by contributing R100 per month.

Those who are unable to sponsor can still make a meaningful contribution by sharing the campaign with their networks and helping FCD reach more people.

To become one of the 67 monthly sponsors, or to make a once-off donation, visit www.fisantekraal.org.za/donate.

• For more information, contact FCD Skills Centre on 021 975 7764 or email info@fisantekraal.org.za.

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