In the space of a year, a non-profit organisation has given job training to more than 250 unemployed people, most of them from Fisantekraal.
The Christian-based Fisantekraal Centre for Development (FCD) started in 2010 and has a training centre next to the Durbanville taxi rank, where the unemployed can build their confidence and learn skills to help them land a job.
Speaking at the centre’s annual general meeting at the Dutch Reformed Church, in Durbanville, on Wednesday August 31, outgoing chairwoman Linda Oosthuizen thanked donors, volunteers and staff.
She said 273 students had been trained in office basics, baking, frail-care and other skills, from April last year to March this year.
“We continue to focus on the person’s holistic development, helping them to make the necessary changes in mindset and behaviour to secure and retain long-term employment.”
Ms Oosthuizen, who will continue to act as secretary for the moment, said FCD volunteers helped with training, IT, advice, financial support and fund-raising. She also thanked the board members.
“We recognise your hard work and commitment,” she said.
The new chairman Neels Hubinger said it would be a “daunting task” to take over from Ms Oosthuizen.
“She did such a good job. When I look back over the past few years, I can see the significant impact we have made,” he said.
Centre director Jane Gelderman said the FCD had reviewed its courses to keep them relevant, including call-centre training and adapting an advanced computer skills programme from self-study to facilitated project-based training.
Ms Gelderman praised the centre’s volunteers, saying: “Without their help, we couldn’t train as many students as we are currently able to.”
There had been a 28 percent growth during the past financial year in the number of unemployed people who completed FCD training, and 65 percent of students had become economically active through employment or self-employment, said Ms Gelderman.
“We are excited about the year ahead and we look forward to reporting back next year on continued growth and progress made in our daily task to equip the unemployed for a meaningful life.”