Vosloorus centre tackles hunger with new Way-skills Boost programme
In partnership with Anglo American, the Way-Forward Centre launched an initiative to provide grocery hampers to students and disadvantaged families while offering free life-skills courses.
The Way-Forward Centre for Community Development, in partnership with Anglo American, launched Way-skills Boost on August 9.
The programme aims to curb malnutrition and hunger among students enrolled in the life-skills programme.
The centre in Vosloorus runs the life-skills programme, which offers three-month end-user computing and boilermaker courses to the youth.
According to founder Silas Gumede, the launch of Way-skills Boost is a response to a student fainting during class.
“After the student fainted, she was taken to the hospital. According to the medical report, she fainted from hunger. She had not eaten for two consecutive days.
“Through Way-skills Boost, we fight poverty in our community. Today, we are donating grocery hampers to our students, orphans and disadvantaged families,” said Gumede.
He mentioned that the courses at the centre are free. “Our intake is 40 students a term, and we have four terms a year. Our life-skills programme has run for three years, and 180 students graduated last year. We also help our graduates with work placement.
“The courses are sponsored by the Gauteng Social Development, and Way-skills Boost is supported by Anglo American through its Ambassador for Good initiative,” Gumede added.
Chairperson Itumeleng Masetle said the new programme will help struggling students.
“Way-skills Boost is beneficial to all the students and will aid those from disadvantaged families, including the community.”
A recipient of a grocery hamper, Bongekile Mnisi, enrolled in the programme, said she was happy to receive food support.
“Now, I can focus on my studies without worrying where I will find my next meal. I can prepare my lunchbox and eat healthy food while studying. I thank the centre and the donors for extending a helping hand to us students.”
Another student, Sinovuyo Tshamlabo, also expressed appreciation.
“The centre has given me hope and shown me love. I appreciate that.”
A graduate of the programme, Fezile Ndlovu, said acquiring the end-user computing qualification had improved his life.
“I was absorbed into a learnership programme because of the qualification I received at the centre. The centre has helped me a lot, and I appreciate everything. My life wouldn’t have changed for the better if it weren’t for the centre,” Ndlovu concluded.
