The Work Readiness Programme empowered us to not only focus on getting a job but also on the skills needed to survive in life. Growing up, we were under the illusion that all we needed to be successful was an academic degree. This, we thought, would lead to a good job, money and a happy life.
Since we enrolled on the Afrika Tikkun Services Work Readiness Programme at Phuthaditjaba Centre (Alexandra), we were exposed to the reality of planning and implementation, beginning with the Life Simulation Training Programme. Our results varied in the way we thought we could tackle our dreams; 99% of the groups chose the route we all knew and were very familiar with, with one group choosing to do a learnership after Matric. As was expected, most of thegroups made mistakes. It was only after some team members were left with no property, part-time jobs, living with their parents with debts, and no investments that the LIGHT BULB turned on. Life is not as black and white as we thought. This is what the Afrika Tikkun Services Work Readiness Programme helped us understand.
The course included thought provoking and awareness modules such as gender sensitisation, disability sensitisation and financial budgeting. We were also taught about being more responsible and accountable for your own actions which are necessary for being effective in the workplace. Outside of the programme, we formed bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime. Our cohort was fortunate to blend into a learnership whilst completing the WorkReadiness Programme. This resulted in us being more productive, particularly during lockdown as continued to make the most of the opportunities we were granted. We don’t think there are sufficient words to ever show or express how grateful we are to have crossed paths with Afrika Tikkun Services. We havenow transitioned into the Alumni Programme and we know that the best way to show our gratitude is to carry the torch we were given and shine it brightlyfor those who will come after us. Thank you Afrika Tikkun Services for the life changing experiences. History has been made; we conquered the lockdown and still we rise!
Class of 2020 (Work Readiness Phuthaditjaba Centre).
