In a new initiative introduced at Thembinkosi School in Thembisa, Mariswe’s Nurture a Girl campaign has progressed beyond providing basic hygiene needs for high school learners to teach them economic independence.
Mariswe, a project management, infrastructure planning and consulting engineering practice active across South Africa for almost 50 years, has kicked off the enhanced programme at Thembinkosi School for learners with special educational needs.
To enable the teaching of basic trades that can be used to earn a living, Mariswe provided the school with a shed and tools for vegetable gardening, an industrial bread baking stove with a dough mixer, industrial sewing machines, carpentry tools and materials and carwash equipment.
Teachers have also received formal training in carpentry, while training in other skills may be provided for teaching staff if needed.
According to Nonkululeko Sindane, CEO of Mariswe, this has become a vital progression in their support for teenage girls due to the significant challenges they face on leaving the school system.
In 2017, Nurture a Girl was launched in four provinces to give teen girls in need monthly personal hygiene kits as well as life skills, career advice and counselling.
“Our priority has always been to ensure our girls don’t miss school because there is a shortage of staff,” said programme manager Patience Mashala.
“For them to be of value to beneficiaries, they must understand how to become self-sufficient.
“That is why we are extending Nurture a Girl to assist our beneficiaries in earning a life once they have graduated from high school.”
Mashala added now that everything is in place, more learners will be added to the programme.
“We expect that our recipients will know how to start and manage their own companies by the end of this year. We will provide training for key business skills, including inventory, invoices and receipts, marketing and sales as well as core skills.
She believes all learners, even those with unique needs, should be able to navigate through the world.
“I always tell our beneficiaries to do their best and push themselves to avoid comparing themselves to others and making excuses, and to believe in their own abilities. Our girls must be self-sufficient and take their own chances. Our goal is to assist women to become strong, independent and successful,” said Mashala.
Mashala encouraged other companies to sponsor Mariswe’s Nurture a Girl project. Every R150 per month or R1 800 per year sponsorship make it possible for another teenage girl to benefit.
“To supply the self-sustaining skills that have been initiated at Thembinkosi, more will be required. But with one step at a time, I believe the concept can be expanded to all beneficiary schools.”
For more information contact Mashala on 011 709 8420 or at bryanston@mariswe.com
