Education builds a strong community

According to Pastor Audrey Jacobs of FWC ministries church, RLabs is the church’s skills development section for the community.

“We are open to everybody, irrespective of race, age and religion.”The initiative which started in February 2012 with 30 students is growing, this year 120 students have graduated and some of them have found jobs. Jacobs said every week there is a two hour class at their church and students are allowed to do more than one module. “We are very basic, simple and effective. We are hope givers who are dedicated in changing the lives of the community.”

Skilled and educated people in the community donate their time and knowledge and offer classes for free. Liezl Kennedy an events management facilitator said she has been with RLabs for more than one year and it has been amazing working with the students and seeing them graduating. According to Kennedy, the core secret in acquiring the skill is playing the role of a guest and knowing their expectations when serving them. “Students are excited and hungry for more, they are disappointed that the course is only six months and that they never had the full year of gaining knowledge.”

RLabs also offers extra Mathematics and Science classes on Thursdays at 6pm and Saturdays at 9am for pupils who need assistance with their homework or battle with the subjects. Robyne Pelwyn who holds a Mathematics Degree and tutors pupils said she noticed that pupils struggle to pass Mathematics and Science hence she offered to help.

Tatun Sanclair graduated in Hospitality management, she said she is going to utilise her new skill by seeking a job at a Hotel. Hospitality and Events management graduate Bradley Boas said he chose Hospitality because it was one of his high school subjects. “The course has kept me away from trouble maybe I would have been getting up to no good with my friends.”

Details: www.rlabs.org