MOKOPANE – Farmer Willie O’Brien from Wensim Simmentalers outside Mokopane wanted to make a difference in the community, and his opportunity came even sooner than he expected.

After being contacted by several universities and colleges to find out if he would be willing to provide agricultural students with practical training, he agreed and got the ball rolling.

Students, who are from a range of tertiary study institutions, must obtain practical knowledge for either six or 12 months, depending on their course.

“Since I started this project, I had five groups already passed their competence levels. The National Financial Literacy Association, an organisation from Sandton, also contacted me. They are supported by Mogalakwena Anglo Platinum Mine, who takes unemployed young people and places them on farms where they are educated and trained in agriculture.”

He said students are treated like any other employee, and start and end the day as ordinary workers.

“They also have their leave days, and receive a stipend from their process coordinators, supported by Mogalakwena Mine as a sponsor. My job is to teach them and when they qualify, I find employment for them.”

Students on his farm receive exposure in cattle farming and relative aspects, including artificial insemination.

Recently, students had the opportunity to conduct pregnancy tests on the cows.

“I also teach them cattle management and stud breeding. They learn about general farm management, water systems and fencing. Then there are goats, sheep and chickens they are familiarised with in terms of the farming aspects.”

He added that from time to time, students are assessed and a full report on their development is submitted.

“After finishing their practical, they are issued with a competency certificate.”

Willie explained that there are organisations, businesses and mines that support the development of young people in order to acquire skills.

“Unemployment among youths is a huge problem and when they apply for jobs, they are not experienced. We therefore equip them with a competency that they receive a certificate for.”