WATCH: The man behind Believers Care Society

LOVE, dedication and passion are among the forces that drive Alexander Iheme (42), the founder and centre manager of Believers Care Society (BCS) in Turffontein, to dedicate his time to the development of the youth in the South.

When the society started in 2006, it focused solely on HIV and Aids programmes. However, the visionary Alexander had other ideas – especially for the sustainability of the people they helped through their programmes, and for the opportunity for skills training.

“It has always been my passion to help others. I think God sent me here for a particular purpose so that through me people can discover themselves and realise their potential,” he said.

WATCH:

What’s next?

Alexander realised that after putting people through their programmes, there was nothing more beyond that. “Together with the Department of Social Development, we introduced the free training skills programme whereby we targeted community members aged between 17 and 35 years. It worked like a charm because more and more youth came to acquire the skills. It also usurped the initial programme. That is why we are still offering this opportunity.”

Alexander always feels fulfilled when the students graduate and either find a job or create jobs for themselves and others. “When you are on course for what God wants you to do for Him, you are content. To me, this is not a job but a ministry. I am at peace with God because I’m doing what He has asked me to do.

“I know that people have different aspirations and that business is not for everyone, but when you have education and you are informed, you are exposed to many things,” he said. “We provide skills that you can use to survive and when you graduate from here, you are ready for the job market. BCS has 21 accredited courses that the youth can choose from,” he added.

Alexander wants to encourage the youth of the South to take this opportunity with both hands. “When you have finished Grade 12, you have two options: either you further your studies or you find a job. So I’m asking those who are sitting at home doing nothing, why are you doing so? For me, it is not normal to just be idle while there are such opportunities,” he said. “If you say fees for higher education are expensive, why don’t you try our free training skill programmes?”

Some challenges

Although BCS has been thriving throughout these years, there are challenges that they constantly face. “Great vision comes with a financial burden,” Alexander said. “Sometimes we struggle to roll out some courses because of capital. However, we do have some sustainability plans to mitigate this. Another challenge is definitely crime. The break-ins and stealing of computers in our centre have been a problem.”

One other thing that Alexander stresses is the power of businesses. “Businessmen and women need to pay it forward,” he said. “They need to invest in the youth – take them in, help them realise their dream. We are also open for donations, especially of computers, printers and any other equipment that will help us fulfil our mandate to train these youngsters.”

For more information call the office on 011 434 4598/1894, send a WhatsApp message to 081 441 7758, visit 118 High Street in Turffontein, or alternatively email bcsa@believerscaresociety.org

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