Shaping Champions honours its first graduates

Dressed for success and with a positive mindset, 12 participants of Shaping Champions, powered by Affinity Health’s 100 Percent Foundation, have graduated.

For the past 11 weeks, the participants from Daveyton and Etwatwa, have formed part of the Shaping Champions programme, founded by Mary Andalaft.

Partnering with Work for a Living Benoni, the women took part in the programme that allowed them to tap into a plethora of skill sets to increase their employability.

“Many of our learners come from poverty-stricken areas, but despite their backgrounds, are keen learners. They are hungry to learn and better their lives,” said Mary.

“They had access to a wide variety of subjects including entry-level computer literacy, entrepreneurial skills as well as financial planning.”

It is hoped that through the programme local women will be up-skilled, making them employable and job-ready.

During the formal graduation, which saw the women arriving in a sponsor-driven limo, they were commended for their perseverance in not only completing the course but in taking the first steps to become more financially independent.

“When we start climbing the ladder to success, we as women need to ensure that our ladder is strong enough for others to follow,” said Maggie Potsane, HR director for Affinity Health.

“When women feel that fire for betterment burning in our bellies, we need to respond by shifting our focus from being victims to becoming fighters for our destiny.”

The participants agreed that the programme not only contributed to their academic knowledge but the value of the life skills they attained cannot be measured.

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