National Ground Coordinator for Work4ALiving, a non-profit organisation, Reuben Africa, has announced the launch of a new job and skills training centre in Despatch, serving both Despatch and Kariega communities.
This centre joins five others in the Nelson Mandela Metro, aiming to break the cycle of poverty by equipping the unemployed with essential skills and mindsets.
“Our programmes empower individuals to become employable or start their own businesses,” Africa explained. “We address specific needs in these areas, such as soft skills training, entrepreneurial skills, and linking graduates to job and business opportunities. In Kariega, we partner with Agape Coffee Shop, and in Despatch, we operate from the Pentecostal Protestant Church premises, making our services accessible to both communities.”
The 14-day classes cover a range of topics, including interview skills, job hunting methods, starting a business, work ethic, budgeting, and professionalism. “We start by teaching people how to conduct themselves during an interview and progress to mock interviews, entrepreneurial skills, and the importance of good work ethic,” he elaborated. “Our online courses also offer additional skills training in areas like office administration, computer skills, events planning, and graphic design.”
Work4ALiving’s impact since 2007 has been significant, with over 41 000 lives touched, 17 600 individuals placed in jobs, and 2 100 businesses started. Africa attributes this success to their focus on addressing the root causes of poverty. “People’s mindsets often keep them in poverty. We teach them what a poverty mindset is and how to overcome it. We also share success stories of our graduates, who have found work or started their own businesses, inspiring others to do the same.”
One such success story is that of Sarah-Lee Goeieman, one of the students from the first class started in Despatch a month ago. She found employment at Spar, two weeks after completing the Job Excellence course.
Local businesses have expressed satisfaction with the quality of workers trained by Work4ALiving, with companies like Mr. Price, Woolworths, and McDonald’s regularly employing their graduates.
“We link our graduates with job opportunities and provide ongoing support through our online platforms and support groups,” Africa said.
He concluded by encouraging individuals to get involved and support their mission. “We charge a minimal fee for our courses and do so to help people to invest in their own futures. We work against the tendency of creating dependency, but rather help people to help themselves, by earning an income or starting their own business. We have found this to be an effective way to help people come out of poverty. We invite local businesses and organisations to partner with us in breaking the cycle of poverty.”
For more info contact Kariega facilitator, Thuli Ncwadi on 065 911 2936 or email her at thulisa@work4aliving.org.
