Bright future at West Rand youth development centre

The West Rand Youth Development Centre (WRYD) funded by the Gauteng Department of Social Development in Kagiso is determined to eradicate poverty across the region.

According to a statement issued by the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s Communication Officer Sibusiso Chauke, the WRYD is accredited to provide youth development programmes and was founded by Boyce Moatse, Weekly Bulletin writer.

During an interview with Boyce who is also the centre manager and Boitumelo Modisane, project coordinator they explained how the NPO made a difference in society.

“We established this centre following a gap of skills development for youth around Mogale City as there was no development centre. We applied for funding from Gauteng Department of Social Development a year after we started and our request was successful; we never looked back ever since,” Boyce said.

Boitumelo alluded that the centre offers training in life skills and computer skills, technical training and entrepreneurship training.

“The centre has partnered with various companies that assist with training and job placements. We have Jumpotart, a company that provides beneficiaries with retail training and placement for Mr Price Stores across the region. There is also AA training specialising in forklifting skills, electrical engineering and apprenticeship. We have partnership with the Labour Department; they register our beneficiaries in their database for job placements and internships,” she added.

Boyce further indicated that ever since they partnered with the Gauteng Department of Social Development, they drastically changed many lives around Mogale and surrounding areas.

“The centre has placed more than 30 beneficiaries in permanent jobs. We are grateful to the Gauteng Department of Social Development for the support. We are still going strong because of them. Through their assistance, we continue to ensure the youth gain access to economic opportunities,” he concluded.