Sinika Uthando continues to empower youngsters

Students of non-profit organisation, Sinika Uthando, were honoured at a special graduation ceremony, which was held in Umbilo, recently.

The organisation has graduated 65 students for various qualifications in both learnerships and skills programmes. The graduates have received 12 months of work experience at various companies and institutions including Sinika Uthando, therefore they not only have a qualification but work experience as well.

Director of the organisation, Jennifer Chetty was excited to acknowledge these students whose hard work and dedication paid-off.

She said, “It was unfortunate that we could not accommodate for students parents because we had to follow COVID-19 protocols. Although this year has been difficult for employment opportunities for students, this achievement during this time gets students a step closer to achieving their goals. It helps set them on a journey to fulfilling their dreams. My hope is that they will harness their education, voice and vote, and use it to create more equity, justice, kindness and joy in this world.”

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Angel Thulile Bhengu, a 35-year-old student, started with a life-skills programme in 2018 with Sinika Uthando as an unemployed youth.

She shared, “I was taught about vision, goal-setting and the importance of having the right attitude. I was then appointed to be part of generic management learnership. I did my in-service training at Sinika and was later hired as a receptionist at this esteemed organisation. I have learnt so much from members at the organisation, which has made me grow in my field. Now, I am able to speak in public, facilitate, co-ordinate and so much more.”

Another student, Zamokuhle Tshepo Mthethwa, matriculated in 2017 and placed his CV at Mr Price in Chatsworth Centre. About a week later, he was recruited electronically by Sinika Uthando to register for a job readiness and a mastering basic computer programme.

He explained, “Job readiness taught me how to self master myself at a working environment since I never worked before. I did my two weeks course and was successfully competent and also eligible for other paying programmes.” After a month, he was called for a 12-months Generic Management NQF level 4 learnership from services SETA.

Thanks and appreciation were extended to representing chancellor, Dr Ryan Devnarian, Cllr Kanagie Pillay, eThekwini City GIA manager, Brandon Pillay, Rev Joey Govender, Rory and Jenny Chengiah, Danny Naidoo for photography and the Sinika team.