Empowering a community through a learning and development centre
CORONATIONVILLE – A learning and development centre opens its door to members of the community who seek empowerment and self development
A resident has dedicated her life to being of service to members in the community, by finding ways to improve their lives.
People Against Poverty and Unemployment (Papu) founder and centre manager, Dawn Josephs is dedicated to empowering young people through her learning and development centre. Established last year in June, the registered non-profit organisation, based in Coronationville, offers skills development through various courses within her programme.
Josephs said she came up with the idea in 2012 and officially retired from the department of health in the same year. She has been a Westdene resident for the past 17 years and is passionate about social development focused on uplifting young people. Community members from the ages of 18 to 35 years are welcome to join and they also cater to older people.
“Papu assists job seekers in finding employment, by offering them resources, mentorship and assistance on how to look for employment. The courses that we offer are completed over a three-month period, five days a week and are completed by 71 learners at a time. The department of social development also provides students – who have children on child grants – with lunch,” said Josephs.
The organisation hosted a graduation ceremony for students who recently completed the programme at the Coronationville Methodist Church. Graduates were awarded with a certificate in End-user Computing and Life Skills Training. The ceremony was also attended by representatives from social development and motivational speaker, philanthropist and entrepreneur, Siphiwe Ngomezulu, who gave a compelling speech.
“Learners are funded by Papu for assessment and the registration process fees. We have a good relationship with Sparrow FET College in Sophiatown where students are trained for six months and then placed in learnerships in the corporate sector. So far, 10 students have been successfully placed in learnership programmes,” said Josephs.
Papu graduate, Larissa Jacobs said she was quite nervous on the day of her graduation but excited at the same time. Jacobs added that she is appreciative for the opportunity and the platform to aquire new skills. She plans to open her own business.
Details: People Against Poverty and Unemployment 011 477 0251; peopleagainstup@gmail.com
