No shortage of skills in Ba-Phalaborwa
2008-10-02
Over a hundred young people were rewarded for their hard work and commitment at a graduation ceremony on 27 September in Namakgale. The graduates had completed six month training programmes in one of four skills: Food Preparation and Cooking, Sewing, Construction Masonry or Construction Carpentry. The programmes, which cost the learners very little, are subsidised and run by Palabora Mining Company/the Palabora Foundation at their education centres in Namakgale and Lulekani.
Many of the participants had not completed formal schooling, so it was the first time they had received a certificate or passed a test of any kind. The pride of the graduates and their families made for an electrifying atmosphere full of ululating moms and whistling aunties. The VIPs who were presenting the prizes couldn’t help but grin at the exuberance of the occasion.
As well as certificates of completion, prizes were awarded for the best performers in each class. The learners had clearly formed some good friendships during their training, because the graduates cheered the prize winners as loudly as their families. The graduates have plans ranging from starting their own business to applying for skilled jobs. As part of their training, the graduates received business training to help them on their way, and will be able to benefit from ongoing free business advice and mentoring from the Palabora Foundation’s Business Development Unit.
The ceremony was introduced by Malesela Letsoalo, operations manager at the Palabora Foundation and was attended by Dr MM Malale of Mopani South-East FET College. The event included prayers from Pastor Mashiya, song and dance from former graduates, inspirational speech from Ms Makofane, and a promotion of the skills development training courses by Lizzy Mphuthi from Palabora Foundation.
After delicious food, cooked and served by the current Food Preparation and Cooking trainees, there was a fashion show which enabled Sewing graduates to showcase their abilities.
Palabora Mining Company/Palabora Foundation would like to thank the representatives of Sasol Nitro, Foskor Ltd and many other local businesses for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the event on a Saturday.
Anyone who is interested in the skills development training courses should contact either Lulekani’s Rixile Education Centre (015 783 0013) or Namakgale’s Leboneng Education Centre (015 769 5055).
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Run with assistance from the European Union