Skills development programme beneficiaries reap rewards

Aquamarine Ledwaba, 37, a beneficiary of Gauteng Department of Social Development’s youth development programme, said she’s grateful to Ndimase Development Centre and Gauteng Department of Social Development for empowering youth in society.

“I am a product of this centre. I received printing training and I was awarded an accredited certificate while receiving a stipend. I was in the youth cohort when I got skilled. The training I got from the centre landed me a job as a facilitator for skills development at Medicos Special School in Soshanguve, Tshwane. Now I also own a house, so never take such opportunities for granted. It is not easy but if you take it seriously, you will go far.”

Ledwaba was giving words of support to the youth during Fun Day Flee Market: Regional Youth Celebration at Ndimase Development Centre in Randfontein on Friday, June 24. Beneficiaries were afforded an opportunity to showcase their skills through a fashion parade and by wearing the garments they manufactured at the centre.

Also in attendance was 22-year-old Daniel Motlhasedi from Elandsvlei.

He said, “I matriculated two years ago and I did not have money to further my studies. I am a beneficiary here, currently receiving computer training.

Thanks to the Department of Social Development for funding the course. I was encouraged to come to the centre by my friend who is now employed by Rand West City Local Municipality (RWCLM), following a computer course he took from Ndimase.

“I would like to encourage young people to grab the opportunity afforded to them at any government-funded centre. As youth we must come up with business ideas that can also assist in job creation because government cannot do that alone,” said Daniel.

Gauteng Department of Social Development continues to empower young people to be agents of change in their families and communities.