GEORGE NEWS - Local non-profit organisation Usapho Indlu has partnered with NextGen Graduates, career guidance specialists offering a programme aimed at youth between ages 16 and 24 years. It is funded by Commerce Edge.

The author of the programme, Georgian Allison Nezar, aims to take each teen on a journey of self-discovery, personal growth and authentic career exploration and the course is done online, on-demand and is self-paced. 

Nezar is passionate about empowering youth, allowing them to discover who they are and how to align their passions and abilities with possible career pathways. 

Along with this, Next Gen connects each young person with institutions that offer their chosen career. 

Once the youngsters have completed their studies, they offer support for market readiness. 

Usapho Indlu Director Sally Versfeld says she is extremely grateful for the partnership with Commerce Edge. "They have made a life-changing journey possible for eight of our young people."

Computer centre
Usapho Indlu has built a computer centre where their high school learners attending their education centre in Zone 7, Thembalethu, have regular access and are given computer classes by volunteers and staff.

"Donated computers have been rebuilt by our volunteer Terry Joynerwood, and updated to enable more young people and staff access to this facility. 

"This programme is part of our vision to bring transformation to households, and families, enabling each member to grow as they build their pathway out of poverty," says Versfeld.

Students who will be doing the Next Gen programme with Dave Moss and Allison Nezar from Next Gen. From the left are Dave Moss,  Imi Gobisiba, Onwaba Majodine, Ntando Dlokolo, Ayakha Lisa, Allison Nezar and Willem Roux.

Encouraging results from food gardens
"Food security is a major concern and Usapho Indlu continues to build community gardens, school food gardens with a key focus being to equip every household as they establish a home garden." 

The NPO offers food garden workshops teaching compost making, planting and mulching, as well as control of pests to encourage biodiversity by planting trees, fruit trees, herbs and flowers. 

Usapho Indlu staff have trained 42 unemployed adults over the past month and provided seeds and compost to make a start in growing their own food.

"The results are so encouraging and it is exciting to walk down the street and visit our families' homes and see the hope and dignity restored as they discover they are able to play a big part in bringing change in their community. 

"They now attend bible study that are held in the mornings at a local church and we run regular weekly workshops in how to build a small business and addressing health and wellness concerns, as well as 'Me and my Money' courses. 

"They are taking ownership of situations, and have grown so much as families that are stable, and have purpose," says Versfeld.

In 2021 the unemployment of the first households among which Usapho Indlu started working, was 58% and today they only have 15% who is not earning, and they are mostly grandmothers who are volunteering and supporting the programmes.

Households are surveyed annually using the Greenlight Movement data method, and this gives Usapho Indlu accurate data to address the 'giants' or 'red lights' that the families themselves have identified as challenges needing to be addressed. 

"We partner with others to meet these needs," says Versveld.

An Usapho Indlu volunteer Andrea Moss assisting learners Ntando Dlokolo,Onwaba Majodini and Ayakha Lisa at the computer centre.

Usapho Indlu is currently building a toilet facility for their Education Centre and are raising funds for a transport vehicle. 

Funds are needed to equip and train their staff and beneficiaries on an ongoing basis. Their second quarter focus is First Aid Training Level 1 for the next two staff members, and two of their youths, as well as a skills training for men and boys which could lead to job creation.

Usapho Indlu offers food garden workshops to groups in the George community. This is a basic course teaching compost making, how to start a food garden, and how to use suitable waste for food security.

Anyone wanting to support or volunteer at Usapho Indlu can visit their website (www.usaphoindlu.org.za) or contact them via email at info@usaphoindlu.org.za.

Women showing certificates for a course they completed.

The donated computers were upgraded by volunteer Terry Joynerwood.

Food gardening is enhancing food security and bringing hope.

Women are keen to learn new skills.

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