Edenvale Church hopes to grow economy
"The course covered a variety of topics and weekly tasks of applying the skills learned to their businesses."
With the intention of helping those in need and reducing the level of unemployment, Edenvale Methodist Church created a Development and Economic Empowerment Pillar.
To establish the pillar, the church partnered with Paradigm Shift, an international course based on business and Christian themes.
The partnership, which started last November, saw 20 entrepreneurs and people hoping to start their own businesses learn necessary business-related skills over a period of 18 weeks.
On May 25, the 20 individuals were presented with certificates for successfully completing the course.
Wally Gollon of the Edenvale Methodist Church said the initiative went well.
“Participants of the course paid R70 for the material and were provided with business skills and advice from trainers on how to establish and run businesses,” said Wally.
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“The course covered a variety of topics and weekly tasks of applying the skills learned to their businesses.”
Wally said the initiative should be beneficial in the long run.
“Edenvale Methodist Church has a good relationship with Khanyisa Trust and assists with its feeding project, but this is a short-term solution.”
By encouraging entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, Wally believes it will benefit many.
Portia Ralombe, an entrepreneur and small-business owner who attended, believes that she benefited from the course.
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“Although I am familiar with what is needed to run a business, the course helped me realise that business owners do not need to be greedy and can help develop their community.”
Wally said the entrepreneurs who completed the course were invited to complete additional modules later this year.
Following the success of the course, Wally said the church hopes to hold it again next year.
