Training Centre in need of sponsor
"If we don't find a sponsor, we will have to close our doors."
“If we do not find another sponsor, we will have to close our doors by the end of August,” said a sad Leoni Naudé.
She is the Programme Manager at the Kutlwanong Home Craft Development Trust in Roodepoort, that teaches unemployed people the skills they need to start their own businesses. “Our focus is mainly on women, and we offer catering, sewing, entrepreneurship and life-skills courses. The duration of the training is approximately three months, after which our students receive a qualification that is accredited at the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA),” Leoni said.
The centre has been operating for 16 years, and AfriSam was their main sponsor. “At the beginning of this year, they told us they will be suspending the sponsorship, and we were left with enough funds until the end of August. If we can not find another sponsor, the staff will have to be retrenched and the centre will be closed down,” she said.
Leoni also said they have a waiting list of more than 400 aspiring students who want to do training. “I believe that what we do is important and of value to the students. Although not all of our students are successful, there are many of them who could establish a successful and sustainable business. There are even those who were able to employ their own staff. It is very rewarding,” she said with a smile.
Because the training fees are minimal, the centre is dependent on donations. “We get money by selling the student’s projects, for example by selling the sandwiches, scones and fat cakes they bake. Sometimes we will sell sewing items for extra income as well,” she said.
Leoni says they are desperate to get a new sponsor to ensure that they can continue to help the community. “We are a registered non-profit organisation and will be able to provide a section 18A certificate for tax purposes. A company that believes in combating poverty, empowering women and job creation will be the ideal sponsor. Although we would prefer one big sponsor who would be willing to commit to us for a few years, we will not turn down smaller sponsors,” said Leoni.
For any enquiries or further information, contact Leoni by sending an an e-mail to kut.homecraft@telkomsa.net or phoning the office on 011 672 9804.
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