Faith Combine Training Academy has provided free computer skills courses to 41 young people from Elim and surrounding areas, aimed at enhancing their employability. The training courses were requested by the Njaka Njaka Rural Development Programme after this organisation had received seven computers from the University of Venda.
Ms Molly Ameker, an assistant at the Development Programme, said that they had approached Faith Combine Training Academy to assist with training. Mr Khazamula Nkuna, founder of Faith Combine Training Academy, explained that the initiative focuses on disadvantaged youths who lack further education opportunities.
"We recognised the urgent need to support youths who couldn't secure bursaries or apply for further studies. Many unemployed young people had begun engaging in drug use, such as nyaope and crystal meth. Hence, we want to take them off the streets," he said.
The students were given their completion certificates at a recent ceremony at Rivoni School for the Blind. The ceremony was attended by over 400 people, including dignitaries such as Hosi Hlekani Mkhari, Professor Joseph Francis, Head of the University of Venda's Institute for Rural Development, and Elim Circuit Manager Mr Ntshavheni Rantsu.
One of the students, Mr Ayanda Maluleke, was very excited about completing the programme. "I was working a year ago at a company where they needed a data capturer, but I couldn't get the position. That's why I came here now," he said.