My name is Faith Pheleu and I’m 23. I was born in Soweto but moved to Alexandra Township in 2019.
I have always wanted to work in the entertainment industry but I didn’t know where to start. After getting retrenched last year, I kept applying for other jobs but got no response. I didn’t know where to look for hope. Then one day I came across an opportunity that changed my life. I saw a post for 12 months’ work experience from Afrika Tikkun under the Youth Employment Service (YES) Program. I applied and within two weeks, was invited for an interview. I hadn’t known about Afrika Tikkun until I applied for the vacancy. But now the organisation, in particular Phuthaditjaba Centre, has become my home. It has helped me and shaped me to be the person I am today.
Under the YES Program, I learned about entrepreneurship, communication skills, office etiquette, computer literacy and most importantly, the skills that empower me be an excellent leader. I’m excited to say I was chosen to be a Secretary in the Alumni Leadership Committee.
I also made use of the Global Skills Initiative (GSI), a collaboration between Microsoft and Afrika Tikkun, which provides online learning pathways for people like me. The Customer Service course taught me how to deal with clients and what steps to follow when I do something wrong. The certificates will also help me a lot when applying for a job.
I feel so grateful that I was placed at Alex FM as a Marketing Assistant; the experience was eye opening, and the exposure incredible.
I have a lot to take me with as I conquer the world!
Afrika Tikkun, together with the YES Program, offers a huge opportunity for youth skills development and work experience. This will build a better future for all of us.
