Project Enza is on a roll

PROJECT Enza, a non-profit organisation (NPO) established in 2010 by founding member Thandekile Jessica Nhleko, is an initiative not only borne out of Nhleko’s love and passion for hospitality and tourism but also because of the genuine need to create opportunities for learners to realise their potential in this industry.

In 2013, Project Enza was formally registered. This NPO seeks to educate, introduce and further enhance and strengthen previously disadvantaged school children’s need to know and grow tourism in Kwazulu-Natal in particular, as well as the country in general.

“Our province and youth have so much potential and so much to offer but the feeling on the ground is that it is difficult for those in impoverished areas and schools to actively participate in the mainstream economy especially if they have not been exposed to the industry,” said Nhleko.

Since its inception, Project Enza has, over the last two years, been involved in campaigns to expose local high schools and tertiary institutions, especially learners who are studying tourism and hospitality, to the hospitality and tourism industry.

“The aim is to show these youngsters that from their first position of being employed as a receptionist or hotel porter, front office or food and beverage manager, they can eventually go on to own their own hotel or business within the hospitality industry. We provide a platform that shows them that this can be achieved,” she said.

The aim at Project Enza is to inspire and empower the youth through skills exposure in the tourism sector to help enrich their lives, teach and instill the values of professionalism through uncompromised service, identify and create sustainable job options through exposing learners to ideas they wouldn’t have had an opportunity to dream of and increase tourism in the province in particular and country in general.

“The core focus is to strive for the eradication of poverty in our communities and ensure a better life for all. Project Enza has partnered with some key stakeholders who have the same vision, to ensure that this initiative stays on track,” she said.

For more information on the project, contact Thandekile Jessica Nhleko on 079 672 4095 or email her on tjnhleko@anb-group.co.za