THERE is a new coffee joint in town, affectionately dubbed the Ditsy Training Coffee Café. Although its dedicated service staff are special needs youth, you can expect the same level of service and quality as any other coffee shop.

The café can be found at The Duncan Centre for Life Skills Development at 16 Murray Smith Road, Winklespruit. The NPO focuses on equipping special needs young people with the skills and know-how to navigate real-world work.

Also read: Bold plans for Winklespruit learning centre [Pics]

True to their plans charted out toward the latter half of last year, founders Stephen and Ettiënne Frost established the coffee shop at the centre. The goal is to equip its students, many of whom are on the autism spectrum, with business management and social skills, service training, self-sufficiency and a much-needed confidence boost.

“By focusing on practical, real-world abilities, we are teaching our students how to navigate and build useful skills for a world that largely excludes them. Since we were last featured in the SUN, the centre has made massive strides in how it prepares its students for the future. Traditional classrooms have officially transitioned into dynamic, hands-on training areas designed to mimic business environments. Visitors can now drop by the coffee shop or browse the Retro Metro Training Thrift Store. In these vibrant spaces, students undergo comprehensive service training, learning the ins and outs of public interaction, money management, and safe food handling,” said Stephen.

Real skills, real rewards

There is a direct reward system in the programme and students profit directly from any sales they make and keep any tips they receive while working in the shop. The centre maintains its core tradition of encouraging creativity and any items the students produce across the art, craft, DIY, and home economics programmes are sold, with all profits going straight back to the creators themselves.

“The second-year students, in particular, have made astounding progress. Where many previously struggled to speak to people or handle social interactions, they are now confidently and regularly engaging with visitors to the centre,” said Stephen.

He added that there is still space available for more individuals to join the programme. To ensure support reaches as many families as possible, the centre offers various payment options for parents and guardians in an earnest attempt to service the wider community. As an NPO, The Duncan Centre relies on community support and collaboration. Stephen explained that there a few key needs.

• Paint of any kind is urgently needed to assist with ongoing building maintenance, as well as student art and crafts projects.
• The centre also welcomes donations of pre-loved clothing and household goods for its thrift store.
• Financial sponsorships are sought to help cover tuition and training costs for students in need, ensuring the less fortunate can access life-changing development skills and ultimately find gainful employment.

If you would like to enrol a student, donate supplies, or chat about sponsorship opportunities, contact 062 002 1896 or visit the centre.

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