Freedom Recovery Centre transform lives in Nigel with free skills
The Freedom Recovery Centre is changing lives in Nigel, offering hope, healing and opportunities for the youth.
The Freedom Recovery Centre in Nigel is making a meaningful impact in the community 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 center in July after recognizing the growing challenge of unemployment, especially among young people who finish school but cannot afford to further their studies. We provide free courses in computers, baking and sewing. We also welcome walk-ins who use our internet cafe 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,” said Esbend.
The Centre also plays an important role in substance abuse recovery. Social Worker, Les Dube.
“We are overwhelmed by the number of people coming in for support, whether as day clinic outpatients, or those we refer to inpatient treatment. As a social worker, I provide psychosocial reports to help them access further treatment. Once they are 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.”
Board member and volunteer, Jennifer Raynolds. ” As part of the outpatient programme, we opened a soup kitchen that provides free meals to more than 50 people every day. We started a WhatsApp group where local residents and businesses can donate towards the initiative. We also have volunteers who help and cut people’s hair free of charge. In the following months will launch a thrift shop to sustain the soup kitchen”
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 who are still using to stop because recovery is possible.”
The centre opens from 8h00: until 17:h00.
Anyone who is interested to enroll for the free course can contact 078 283 5317/068 400 9242.
