Local plumber to learn new skills in Germany

The programme called “Fundisanani Project” is a Germany/South African initiative run by the Thabiso Skills Institute of the Catholic Institute of Education.

Fundisanani is a Zulu word which means “Teach one Another”.

Born and raised in Reiger Park, Williams is among a group of post-graduate students from different South African skills development centres, who will be part of the student exchange programme in Germany.

The objective of the exchange is for the chosen South African plumbers to learn new skills and bring those skills back to South Africa, where they will be expected to immediately implement them by getting involved in community services, which will then increase their chances of getting employed.

Williams is also expected to come back with the new skills and pass it on to others in the community of Boksburg.

She will be travelling to a skills village called Herzogsagmuhle, which is 80km south-west of Munich.

A family has volunteered to house her during the exchange programme.

“I look forward to show my German counterpart how we South Africans install geysers, while learning their way of plumbing,” says Williams.

Williams completed her six month plumbing course at St Anthony’s Education Centre in 2012.

She has already done two separate internship programmes.

“I have always wanted to be a plumber. My dad is also a plumber, and I helped him fixed and construct a lot of things growing up. My dream is to start my own plumbing business and employ people from my community,” adds Williams.

William says the programme will also provide her with the opportunity to learn and increase her understanding of German culture and traditions, lifestyle, languages, and history.

Williams has received a bursary to further her plumbing studies at Water Smith Training Centre, in Krugersdorp.