45 youth from Cato Manor received certificates for their completion of the Learn2Earn programme recently – made possible by Wildlands, Nedbank and the eThekwini Municipality.
The primary objective of the pilot Learn2Earn programme (launched in 2016) was to enable a cadre of 45 Nedbank clients between the ages of 18-35 to be trained and mentored over a period of 2 months; Leaving them with the confidence and capacity to launch or develop their careers further.
The training sessions covered financial literacy, small business skills and job readiness skills – and all modules included practical experience and peer learning. The aim was to empower these young people with knowledge to start their own businesses, increase the chances of employment for those who would prefer to be employed and better manage their personal finances.
When speaking to the Learn2Earn participants about what they learnt through the programme they said – “I now know how to budget and save!” “I know I need to work hard and do whatever I do with confidence so I can stand out from the crowd.” “I know how to manage my money and budget for my needs before my wants.” “It is important to have a positive attitude and to focus on your goals every day to realise it.” “I didn’t realise there are different types of bank accounts, and now I know which one will work best for me and my business.”
“You must work on your personal brand, create a good CV and prepare correctly for interviews – researching the company beforehand. Confidence is key and always be punctual!”
This project was conducted in the Cato Manor community located on the western outskirts of Durban. The area is largely informal with no formal basic services and limited infrastructure. Most people living in the area are either employed part-time or living off social grants.
The Learn2Earn programme touched 163 people, 118 people were trained and 45 people attended the full training programme. 10 individuals who participated in the training programme have since been employed and 3 of the participants who had businesses when they entered into the training, are using what they learnt to improve on their existing business models.
“Nedbank are driven by their mission statement – money experts who do good,” said Siyanda Ngongoma, Coach Governance Support – Nedbank. “We get involved with communities and hope to empower them, make them financially fit and ultimately see money differently.”
The Local Economic Development Officer for Cato Manor –eThekwini Municipality, Nathi Zondi, attended the ceremony and said: “This programme falls within our local economic development framework and is one of 17 projects identified when establishing our strategy. This partnership with Wildlands and Nedbank also inspires economic development, especially among our youth and I am already seeing the impact and community members benefit.”
Xolani Cabela, 34 years of age, attended the Learn2Earn programme and is working on plans to start a recycling business, “I’m ready to apply for the job now, I have more knowledge now and my mind-set has changed a lot because I came here without any ideas and now I know what to do to make things happen. This was very good I hope Wildlands continue to other teams.”
WILDTRUST (registered as the Wildlands Conservation Trust - IT No: 4329/1991/PMB)