Ukuwela is always on the go

GEORGE NEWS - The Ukuwela skills training and employment programme at Carpe Diem School is always on the go, and the third term was no exception.

In addition to various advocacy activities aimed at raising awareness of the needs, abilities and achievements of young people with disabilities, an exhibition titled 'Make the transition possible' highlighted the role of community support services in assisting the school leavers with disabilities.

Project lead Suzanne Stark also presented a disability awareness session to Lancewood staff in George, giving them the opportunity to experience what it might feel like to live with an 'invisible' disability.

Learners had the chance to showcase their talents during the annual Carpe Diem Umbulelo breakfast for the school's supporters, and during a visit to the school, the tech team of Injini (an education technology accelerator based in Cape Town) developed a video to help advocate for the needs of people with disabilities.

Ukuwela also checked in on some of the Carpe Diem learners who are in employment to see how they were doing.

Visit Ukuwela's web site for more information or phone 044 874 4074.

Sinokuhle Halam started her first job in the kitchen at The Haven, Blue Mountain Retirement Village on 22 July.

During the third term, Dimitri Vaaltyn received the prestigious Vasbyt Award for completing his first year of work at Aloe Restaurant and Deli/Engen Albertinia.

Stefan Plaatjies was one of the senior boys in the Ukuwela programme who got the chance to put their culinary and domestic skills to use in the kitchen at Protea Hotel by Marriott King George. Doing dishes, preparing food, clearing tables, doing surface cleaning and even making sauce were no problem for these handy boys.

Shevone Figeland, Angie Fourie and Abigail Hughes received their certificates after completing a six-session foundation barista course presented by Root Coffee.