During the tour the facilitator from the airport mentioned the possibility of starting the Acsa (Airports Company South Africa) national learnership programme in George.
This dream has now culminated in a fully fledged intern programme for young people with diabilities.
Caroline Booysen (28) from Protea Park, who had polio as a child, said that "It sounded good but I thought it was a pipe dream and I lost hope after two years. I was overjoyed when I was told that I was part of the programme that started this week."
Grenwen Hendricks (30) who was born with a disability that affected his right side, said that he had always worked as an administrator at a petroleum supplier until 6 months ago, when he was retrenched as a result of the company closing down due to the recession. "I was at a loss but now see a future for me again."
In 2001 Xoliswa Stemele (25) of Zone 8 Thembalethu was shot under her arm by her cousin in a freak accident that damaged her spine. "Now I am a paraplegic with hope as, 3 years ago, I started getting some feeling in my feet. This week the feeling is different but it feels good."
Veronique October (21) of Borcherds was knocked over by a bakkie when she was 5 years old and left at the accident scene for a long time before being taken to hospital. "The doctors said that I had brain damage and that I would be a 'slow learner'. On this programme I understand everything and for the first time I think that maybe the doctors were wrong."
Merinda Brink (38) from Pacaltsdorp was diagnosed with gastroenteritis in 2009. "There was no physio treatment available and I lost the feeling in my legs. This course is the therapy needed to get me back on my feet again."
Wayne Veldsman (20) says, "I now feel that the business management course I did earlier this year will be put to good use in the real world."
Brenda Vorster, George airport manager, said that it took two years to put everything in place so that the programme could be of a standard that will profoundly benefit the participants. "Acsa may not be able to employ all 12 of the interns, however the work experience will result in a much more holistic CV that will ensure the learners have a distinct advantage in securing employment."
Nikki Durrant, the facilitator said that it is a one year programme. "For one week a month they will be in class and the remaining time will spent on site doing practical training at the airport."
The programme motto is 'Fly high with or without a plane' and Durrant feels that they have an excellent chance of achieving this.
Acsa is assisting with transport to the lectures that are being held at the Tourism Office in York Street. Veronique October and Wayne Veldsman alighting from the Acsa bus. Photos: Myron Rabinowitz
