Microsoft digital literacy programme helping addiction wellness centre
“We at the centre look at your personal and professional life factors as you hit the restart button to return home to your family, community and society.”
The darkness of addiction should not allow those on the outside to forget the hidden potential waiting to burst into the light.
The early mornings at Themba na Mandla buzz with activity as the residents go about their daily chores. The wellness centre for recovering addicts provides structure and sanctuary for those wanting to swap their old habits for a determined quest for a better life. Sharpening their skills is a critical part of the journey, and the 16 men at the centre took their first steps, 1 February.
Sakhane Youth Development Forum facilitates a Microsoft digital literacy programme that equips job seekers with the minimum requirements to successfully enter the work force. The 13-week programme, one four-hour session per week, focuses on imparting basic computer skills and interview techniques to give those who complete the course the confidence to excel.
“The session was inspiring to me as these guys are not just there based on sorting themselves out, but ultimately equipping themselves with the life skills that are needed in the full psychosocial aspect of life. As a facilitator, that gives hope that it is never too late. Willingness and effort are key factors to success, no matter when,” said Sakhane’s Cavall Elliot.
Themba na Mandla is the labour of love of Aaaqeelah Chetty, affectionately called ‘Ma’ by the gentlemen she assists. “This programme is best suited to remind them that there is life beyond our premises. They were focused, asked many relevant and unexpected questions about a future they had no hope for in the beginning of their journey of recovery,” said Aaaqeelah.
The impressive list of talents the men of Themba na Mandla has varies from software development and construction, to draughting and quantity surveying. The premises they stay on bears examples of their hard work as they have a flourishing vegetable garden, a rustic fire pit and they have built several corrugated iron structures to serve as their barracks.
Places are still available for Sakhane’s programmes, which cost just R100, and Cavall can be contacted on 067 816 9280 for more information. Themba na Mandla is only partly sponsored so Aaaqeelah is encouraging anyone who wishes to assist with their living project to please donate any non-perishable goods. The journey is not without challenges, but as Aaaqeelah says, “Recovery is giving up one thing for everything”.
