Spring into Action: Exciting Updates as We Enter the Final Quarter of 2024

Stitch Ahead Sewing Programme

Stitch Ahead is empowering Cape Town’s youth through skills and community transformation.  In August this year, the 6th cohort (since programme launch in 2023) graduated successfully! Every graduation is concluded with a fashion show where participants showcase the garments they made during the course.

Waves Of Change Maritime Programme

Thanks to the dedication of the Waves of Change team, 2,986 clients have been assisted through the helpdesk to date this year. Of these, 241 successfully completed the two-week Lifeskills course, and 101 have registered with the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA), a crucial step toward further maritime training and employment. We continue to collaborate with our network partners to facilitate training and create potential job opportunities.

NEETs Youth Employability Programme

The 2024 cohort enrolled in the New Venture Creation NQF 2 and NQF 4 programs, are well on track with the curriculum. Following the successful launch of the 3-month Solar Mounter and Installer course earlier this year as part of the NEETs Program, the extension from a 3-month to a 12-month program, with 19 students currently participating, has been welcomed. Work Integrated Learning is underway, and we are actively seeking suitable partners to provide our students with three-month placements. If your business in Cape Town is interested in offering a NEET student a three-month opportunity (no salary required), please get in touch with us.

Learn to Live School of Skills

The addition of Auto-Mechanical works as the fifth vocational workshop has been highly popular with learners. The inclusion of Solar Installation in the electrical curriculum has further enriched their learning experience this year. Our learners also participated in various extracurricular activities, with the Marimba Band performing at notable events, including the Women's Day celebration at the Fountains Hotel and another at the Table Bay Hotel. Leadership programs offered by PeaceJam and the Waterfront Rotary Club provided our students with valuable opportunities, such as the transformative "Adventure into Citizenship" program.

Wellness Centre

Our Wellness Centre, which includes Social Workers, Psychologists, Occupational Therapists, and Coaching services, offers essential support to our program beneficiaries.

It provides both psychosocial care and job readiness coaching, playing a vital role in the success of our participants.

We are pleased to welcome Ms. Catherine Maree, a registered therapist, who brings her expertise to provide additional support and oversight in managing the centre.

Staff Updates

Tony Austen, our Learn to Live Principal, will be departing at the end of 2024. We are pleased to welcome Ms. Carla Cabrita, who joined the school on 1 August as the incoming Principal for 2025. Tony and Carla is actively working together to ensure a smooth transition.

The NEETs Solar Program, appointed a Job Service Officer, Claude Cogill, to facilitate successful employment for the Solar students 

Two Social Workers joined our team, Olwethu Matolengwe at Learn to Live and Mbuyisi Sithole at Waves of Change