UNEMPLOYED youth in the Lower Illovo reserve recently gained valuable skills from a five-day skills training programme facilitated by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the Metal Casting Technology Station (MCTS) through the Christian Apostolic Church in Zion of Southern Africa’s Education Desk.

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The church’s Mthokozisi Ntuli said the trainees were taught to make candles, soap, key holders, and medals. He said the long-term goal is to raise entrepreneurs and also support existing businesses in Illovo.

“The programme is partly sponsored by the MCTS and UJ, which cover the materials used in the training. The church covers the costs of accommodation and catering for the facilitators and trainees during the training period. Facilitators were Sepitsi Chepape and Simon Ngoako,” said Ntuli.

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He said the community has been highly receptive since training started, and attendance from the trainees has been 100%. The facilitators also taught the trainees how to melt and produce items from pewter metal, he said.

He added that the Education Desk is an innovative initiative by the church that is focused on youth development, with an emphasis on academic achievement and skills training.

“Our mission is to equip young people with a diverse range of skills and qualifications that will help them secure employment or start their businesses. The Christian Apostolic Church in Zion of Southern Africa is the first Zion church to launch a nationwide initiative aimed at uplifting both youth and community members. We firmly believe that the church exists for the community. If the church cannot uplift and support the community, it loses its true purpose,” said Ntuli.

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