The Fisantekraal Centre for Development has seen a growth in the number of people graduating from the courses it runs for the unemployed.
The Christian-based non-profit started in 2010 and has a training centre next to the Durbanville taxi rank, where the unemployed can learn skills to help them land a job. There are courses in job readiness, baking, business skills, frail care and spiritual development.
Speaking at the organisation’s annual general meeting, at Dutch Reformed Church, on Friday August 11, centre director Jane Gelderman said they had issued 300 certificates this year, a 15% increase on the previous year.
The meeting heard that in the past financial year, more than two thirds of the centre’s students had become economically active.
Chairman Neels Hubinger said it was clear the centre was making a dent in unemployment in the area.
“Our mission is to develop unemployed people socially, emotionally, economically and spiritually for a more meaningful life,” he said.
The number of individual private donors aiding the centre grew from 26 to 46, the number of business and foundation donors doubled from 7 to 15, while the number of job shadow and placement partners increased to 53.
Treasurer Chris Laubscher said the centre ended its financial year with a 48% increase in year-on-year total assets, with assets exceeding liabilities by R427 217 compared to R265 913 in the previous year.
The financial year returned a surplus of R155 421 compared to the loss of R12 978 in the previous year.
Mr Laubscher said the financial statement showed improvements across a broad spectrum, with the increase in donations indicating a growing support base.