Finding a job can be very challenging, even more so if you don’t have skills or qualifications. Many youths in our country don’t have the opportunity to finish school due to number of reasons. Supporting and advancing skills development amongst youth in this region is important to CUT. In conjunction with various churches community members have been identified to participate in this pilot project. CUT is committed to the socio-economic development of the central region through its provision of courses to socio-economically disadvantaged communities of Ooshoek, Estoire and Pieter Swartz in Mangaung Metro.
Leza Ooshuizen (21) is one of the youth who has benefited from courses that are offered by Faculty of Management Sciences at CUT. Because Ooshuizen never completed her grade 12 studies due to her personal circumstances, she described the training she has received at CUT as an overwhelming experience and golden opportunity for her personal development. “I finished school at grade 6. Opportunities like this come once in a lifetime and I shall forever remain grateful.” Ooshuizen commented. “I would not otherwise have ever had an opportunity to study short courses at CUT”.
The courses including Basic Computer Literacy and Pastel Accounting are offered for free to community members who the faculty has identified in partnership with church organisations. These organisations have committed themselves to ensuring that on a weekly basis the students are transported to their three-hour class sessions at CUT’s Bloemfontein Campus until November 2013.
The project is a joint venture spearheaded by Mr Christo Hurter and Ms Eureka Pottas, who both lecture at CUT in the Faculty of Management Sciences. Pottas offers basic computer skills while Hurter offers pastel accounting. “Being part of this project makes me feel honoured. This project is going to significantly contribute towards uplifting their lives and preparing them for possible prospects of employment in the future, especially the youth. What mostly inspires me is their commitment.” said Hurter. “I have Pastor Maritz Pikki to thank for inviting me to be part of this project” said Thapelo Rapulana, an 18-year old from Pieter Swartz. He added that although accounting is a bit challenging for him at the moment, persistence is one factor that shall see him through. Mr Maritz Pikki is one of the pastors behind the recruitment of the students.
This initiative began in August 2012 and is set to continue until November 2013. Upon completion of the course, these youths will write an online examination in order to receive a SAQA accredited certificate and their qualification validity.
Pictured is: Thapelo Rapulana, from Pieter Swartz, and from the Bloemspruit, Leza Ooshuizen, and Eugene van Wyk from Estoire.
Article sourced from: http://www.cut.ac.za/fullnews?start=2