Training & jobs for 90 unskilled African women

On 18 January, 90 young women from across Southern Africa reported for orientation at the College in  Graaff-Reinet.

By the time formal training commenced on 1 February, they had been joined by two Zimbabwe students who were delayed due to visa problems. In addition, the College is hosting for the first time a physically disabled learner.

During orientation the local hospice held an HIV/Aids and TB seminar. The local branch manager from ABSA bank presented a personal finance seminar guiding students on better banking options. Capitec and First National Bank also participated

Formal training commenced on 1 February.

Hospitality students hosted two large functions during February namely a wedding reception on 20 February for 160 pax and a seminar/evening functionfor the Wildlife Ranching Association of SA and their 100 guests. During March the students catered to 160 guests at an 80th birthday function and to a further 60 wedding guests.

Update on previous graduates:

• Twenty two members of the graduate class of 2015 commenced their learnership year at Drostdy Hotel towards the end of January. They were joined by 10 interns.
• Learnership and internship workplace orientation with Drostdy Hotel staff was held between 11 – 15 January and the handover was completed between the 2014  SACT learner- and internship group and the new group (2105 graduates) on 15 January. This was followed by learnership and internship orientation with the 2016 group.
• A farewell luncheon for the 2015 learnership and internship group (2014 SACT graduates) who successfully completed their year-long learnership and workplace experience (internships)  at Drostdy was held at the hotel on 14 January. All but two of the group has been placed in permanent jobs.
• Faith, the 2014 top student, who is currently employed by Drostdy Hotel where she completed her learnership year in January and will be heading to Italy in June for a three month work experience visit to Portofino, Italy, as part of her top student prize, held a motivational talk for the Class of 2016 in early February. Faith created great interest in the Drostdy Hotel Learnership Project among her audience members.

SACT would like thank all its long standing donors for their continued support. Without your encouragement and generosity, the College would not be able to afford these young women, this life changing opportunity.