Giving skills to the less fortunate
There is also an impactful Sweetbike Community Project which provides disadvantaged school children with refurbished bikes.
Swiss entrepreneur, Roland Wenger, his wife Sibylle, and their two children, Sam and Connie are committed to improving the lives of those around them in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Their commitment saw them establish a Skills Centre at Serenity Hills which provides disadvantaged youth, women, and disabled people on the South Coast with employable skills.
According to Sam Wenger, the development director of Serenity Hills, students at the centre receive expert instruction from experienced trainers in a variety of skills including, painting, carpentry, boiler making, landscaping, restoration, cooking, and hospitality.
Wenger said the Skills Centre is also developing and coaching emerging entrepreneurs in communities to promote self-sustainability and sustainable job creation.
“Learning by doing is the heartbeat and success of the Skills Centre. It was established as a way to encourage communities to participate in the economy of South Africa, with the aim of improving their living conditions. The connection with Serenity Hills is an extension of this long-term vision,” said Wenger, adding that the centre consists of various workshops, dorm facilities, classrooms, and outstanding communal areas – a place to feel safe and share the act of kindness.
Wenger added that as part of practical training for qualified artisans, the Skills Centre provides services to the state-of-the-art Serenity Hills Eco-Estate, saying that through this partnership, homeowners have the benefit of using these talented individuals for gardening, landscaping, carpentry, maintenance, housekeeping, and hospitality.
The development director said they have also established the impactful Sweetbike Community Project which provides disadvantaged school children with refurbished bikes.
Wenger said the aim of the community project was to help pupils get to and from school easily.
“With limited transportation and vast distances in accessing schools in rural locations, many children are forced to walk hours to access education – leading to a higher dropout rate and increased safety risks for children. Sweetbike sources pre-owned quality bikes from Europe, with the mechanic team at Sweetbike Workshop – also part of the Skills Centre – then refurbishing the bikes for donation to pupils,” said Wenger.
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