Strand Secondary School’s adult basic education arm (ABET) launched skills training courses on Saturday 12 March.
The first programme introduced to a well attended group was the sewing class, with many other programmes to follow.
Facilitator Shakoor Vallie has appealed to businesses and community organisations such as Rotary and Lions as well as individuals to donate material, sewing machines and related equipment to ensure the success of the programme.
He said the ABET team would like to open up more of such training programmes, so a variety of skills can be developed in the community.
“This will be the only way to bring relief to struggling communities. Our objective is to promote self-reliance and entrepreneurship. With the high unemployment rate in our country it is a shame people should make a living from government grants and hand-outs. This is degrading, and individuals should win back their pride. Poverty doesn’t mean we should lose our pride.”
Vallie said many come from a background of poverty, however proud and established these communities may be. “Our schools should promote skills as part of the curriculum, and this will ensure that no-one has to go to bed hungry. Schools should tailor their curricula to suit the needs of the community.”
Vallie added it was a hard truth that the education system in the country was spiralling downwards, and the Western Cape Education Department had phased out most vocational and technical subjects, replacing them with a focused approach that “disregards the needs of communities.’
He also expressed confidence that the ABET programme would inject a fresh set of skills among the community that will be only to their benefit.
. To get in touch with Vallie, phone 078 392 9842.
