Emshukantambo learners showcase their skills on Women’s Day
In attendance were also several professionals in various career fields who serve as mentors to the learners.
Emshukantambo Secondary learners turned theory into practical experience in the field of coffee making on Women’s Day. The event, held at Maponya Mall, was made possible by Huis-Van-Cofifi (HVC) as part of their effort to give young people from the township practical work experience and skills development. On the day, a team of learners was given the chance and the tools to showcase their barista skills, preparing and serving coffee to people at the mall. The learners had been trained for a month by HVC and this was the final step in a bigger plan to integrate them into the economy by offering them temporary employment during their school holidays. This was according to HVC co-founder, Sibusiso Sibeko.
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“The overall goal is to empower these young people, and a part of that is skills development. We have worked with these youngsters for some time now, training them. Today we are giving them a chance to practice this in a real-world setting before placing them in some of the coffee shops we work in partnership with. We want to get rid of the ‘breadwinner’ mentality and have everyone in a family contributing. We also want to familiarise them with how the economy works from an early age,” Sibeko explained.
The day featured a performance by the school’s choir, as well as poetry from learners, Buhle Hlpohe and SfisoDaPoet. Hlophe who performed a Women’s Day themed poem said she was grateful for the opportunity.
“I wrote this poem to highlight the challenges women still face, still being side-lined. I think it’s great that HVC is giving us this platform to show that we are also capable and are able to share our art with the public,” the 16-year-old said.
In attendance were also several professionals in various career fields who serve as mentors to the learners. Audit Partner and mentor, Brenda Jajula said she was proud to see young girls taking the lead.
“You have to remember that there was a time where girls weren’t allowed to even work and were not seen as capable. So today, to see these young girls out here showing the world that they actually can play a part, as young as they are, is truly special. I’m convinced that are leaders amongst these girls. We have to continue giving them these platforms and getting them into these spaces where they can showcase and develop their skills,” Jajula said.
Pule Hlahane, an educator at the school, said the talent on display was impressive.
“We are proud to learners turning theory into practice today and as we celebrate Women’s Day. We are also proud of the talent we are seeing. The poetry and the singing were very impressive,” Hlahane said.
Women in coffee :HVC went out at Maponya Mall on Women's day 📸 pic.twitter.com/LBJpOto3vM
— WIYTH AGENCY (@fgdwws) August 12, 2021
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