Safe-Hub connects PlayMakers to a world of opportunities
ALEXANDRA – The PlayMaker programme connects with the area’s youth through a two-phase approach, which focuses on the support and development of young people.
Fibre provider Vuma has partnered with Safe-Hub in Alexandra to kick-start its soccer-led PlayMaker mentorship and life skills programme, designed to equip the township’s young people with sustainable skills for a better future.
The PlayMaker programme is a 12-month programme for 13 young adults between the ages of 18 and 25, designed to cultivate skills such as mentorship and training facilitation alongside an NQF Level 4 sports administration course.
These 13 programme members are in turn involved in the EduFootball programme which includes more formal soccer coaching as well as life skills and planning for their futures.
Theodore Vena, the programme manager at Safe-Hub Alexandra, believes in the programme’s power to attract young people through the magic game of football, to help them dream big and realise their full potential.
“I benefitted from a similar programme and I’ve returned to PlayMaker at Safe-Hub to give back to the Alexandra community because I know how easy it is to lose hope, but how important it is to dream about a better life, and to have access to the tools needed to make that better life happen,” he said.
Much of the education material that will be accessed by the participants will be shared via the internet, making Safe-Hub a fitting partner for Vuma’s support and sponsorship.
Content shared online includes sessions provided by a partnering Bundesliga team based in Hoffenheim, Germany, life Skills programmes, CV writing, internal Safe-Hub training programmes and a sports administrations course provided by ETA College.
Thokozile Mkosi, one of the participants said, “Being able to participate in the PlayMaker programme gives me hope for a better life, and it’s given me opportunities to connect with inspiring people all over the world.
“I am planning to study sports management further, once the programme is complete, and I look forward to exploring this field even more in the future.”
Lianne Williams, head of marketing at Vuma said they were passionate about supporting and creating opportunities throughout the communities that they operated in.
“We are proud to be a partner to Safe-Hub and support them in their grassroots programmes,” he added.
“Meaningful initiatives like Safe-Hub equip South Africa’s young people with the skills they need to secure and possibly create their own work opportunities. Vuma’s value extends beyond supplying infrastructure to communities, we are partnering with them to change lives for the better.”
