More than 20 learners from Emshukantambo Secondary in Pimville graduated from a coffee making and entrepreneurial course on Thursday last week.
ALSO READ: Digitising learning in Soweto schools
This comes after the young baristas participated in a three months skills development programme spearheaded by Huis Van Cofifi (HVC) at the school.
Under the programme, they learned and mastered the art of brewing coffee and the business of sales and marketing.
With their certificates, these learners are now in a positon to start their own coffee businesses or work as baristas.
HVC is a local youth owned coffee brand which has been at the forefront of empowering young people with entrepreneurial skills, especially in the coffee making business.
Learners who participated in the programme were trained by champion barista, Khulekani Mpala who owns two coffee shops.
ALSO READ: We don’t want Principal Mbatha – Vulamazibuko parents
Cofounder of HVC, Sibusiso Sibeko said their brand is embedded on youth empowerment and the graduation at Emshukantambo was a milestone.
It was a milestone because being part of the programme not only empowered them with skills but it helped them stay focused on positive things.
“The reason why we exist is because we have seen the culture that is brewing amongst our youth today which is substance abuse and other things that affect our children negatively.
“So we thought of something that can empower them to build their communities and today we are celebrating that as they graduate,” said Sibeko.
He went on to thank the school for opening its doors to the programme and allowing learners to participate.
Learners were also happy to receive their certificates and to have gained new skills which will help them in future.
Their teacher, Pule Hlahane said the graduation motivated more learners to follow suite and hopes other schools do the same.
ALSO READ: Ekuphumeleleni takes delivery of new library
“I’m very proud of our learners who sacrificed their time, particularly their lunch hour to attend the training to be what they are today.
“Congratulations are in order. We are happy that their certificates are accredited by Seta and they are ready to be employed as baristas,” said Sir Hlahane.
“A special thanks to the facilitators and in particular the visionary behind the project, Sibusiso Sibeko.
“We do all that we do for the sake of our children, who are not only the future, but also the now generation.”
As the country celebrates youth month, such programmes demonstrate what young people in Soweto and across the country can do to develop and empower themselves.
It is also a demonstration of the entrepreneurial spirit that exists amongst young Sowetans.
Follow Us Here:
Catch the latest news by visiting our other platforms:
