Freedom Recovery Centre supports youth with free training
The Freedom Recovery Centre is changing lives in Nigel, offering hope, healing and opportunities for the youth.
NIGEL – The Freedom Recovery Centre in Nigel is making a meaningful impact by offering free opportunities aimed at uplifting and empowering local youth. Centre Manager Jezel Esbend explained the purpose behind opening the Skills Development Centre.
“We launched the centre in July after recognising the growing challenge of unemployment, especially among young people who finish school but cannot afford further studies,” said Esbend.
The centre provides free courses in computers, baking, and sewing. Walk-ins can also use the internet café to type CVs, do research, and apply for jobs.
“The only requirement is a copy of a valid South African ID, which we use to build a portfolio for each beneficiary,” Esbend added.
The centre also plays an important role in substance abuse recovery. Social worker Les Dube said they are overwhelmed by the number of people seeking support, whether as day clinic outpatients or those referred to inpatient treatment.
“As a social worker, I provide psychosocial reports to help them access further treatment. Once released, they return for aftercare services.
“We also run awareness campaigns at schools and churches to educate communities about the dangers of substance abuse and addiction,” said Dube.
Board member and volunteer Jennifer Raynolds explained that as part of the outpatient programme, the centre operates a soup kitchen providing free meals to more than 50 people daily.
“We started a WhatsApp group where local residents and businesses can donate. We also have volunteers who help and cut people’s hair free of charge. In the coming months, we will launch a thrift shop to sustain the soup kitchen,” she said.
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Kagiso Rakgoadi, a recovering addict, shared his journey.
“I was hooked on drugs for 15 years. It started as fun in high school and escalated from there. I used crystal meth, mandrax, and weed.
“I’ve been clean for nine months now, and I want to encourage those still using to stop because recovery is possible,” said Rakgoadi.
The centre is open from 08:00 to 17:00. Anyone interested in enrolling for free courses can contact 078 283 5317 or 068 400 9242.
