The Institute for Skills Empowerment is urging Bramley businesses to partner with the local community to make a difference.
The non-profit organisation, which is a skills development facilitator, was launched this year as a way to uplift and develop the skills of young people within the community.
Morake Mokgosi, chairperson of the organisation, explained the decision to partner with local businesses, such as DIY Depot Savoy and Bramley Primary School. “I’d had a relationship with the school prior to the partnership and decided to further engage with them to bring a skills development programme focused on mentoring and developing the skills of the pupils,” Mokgosi explained.
From this came the launch of a school soccer team called Lions United Football Club, which Mokgasi explained was a way to occupy the pupils with something positive.
Additionally, the partnership saw businesses approached to take part, with the DIY Depot coming to the party and agreeing to get involved and contribute towards the initiative. “We did this because it’s imperative for businesses to get involved and give back to the community that supports them, and DIY was only happy to do so,” he said.
The company’s involvement saw them purchasing soccer kit and training equipment for the team and contributing to the upgrade of the school.
Meanwhile, Noko Leso, principal of the school, hailed the partnership between the three parties, explaining its significance to the school. “It’s an important partnership for us and it feeds into existing skills development programmes we have at the school,” she said.
“The inclusion of local business is also a bonus because we need businesses to get involved and improve the local community and school, because it benefits their children.” Leso also reiterated Mokgosi’s message, explaining that the school was always in need of assistance to improve the facilities for pupils.
Speaking on behalf of the company was Paddy Padayachi, who expressed much pride at being a part of the partnership and contributing towards uplifting the community. “Charity is nothing new to our company and we are happy to play our part and encourage other businesses to follow suit,” he said.
Mokgosi concluded by expressing the hope that more businesses would want to come on board and assist in helping the programme grow. “Doing this is really about more than getting children active, it’s about growing their confidence and helping them find their talents within the sports they love.”
Details: 011 051 3625; morake1277@yahoo.com
