Knowledge is power
"If you do not use your brain, it will go to sleep. Soon after you also will go to sleep," said 80-year-old Everett Nortman, the Academy's oldest student.
The community is urged to join the free English and computer literacy classes offered by Gratia Plena Academy at the NG Kerk Witpoortjie.
Gratia Plena (Through the Grace of God) Academy is a registered as a non-accredited NPO and is fully dependent on donors. The academy has been running since 2014, under the leadership of founder, Santie Theron. She said it is her dream to give knowledge to those who are willing to learn.
Santie believes in investing in the community through development and education. The organisation is devoted to making a difference in the community through teaching individuals different skills.
They offer these courses free to the poor and disadvantaged. They equip the community with these skills in the hope that the training will bring people a step closer to employment.
“Our classes are not exclusively for the unemployed. Everybody is welcome, no matter the race or age. Our youngest student is 13, while the oldest is 80. We know of seventeen participants in the computer literacy course who have landed full-time jobs on completion,” said Santie.
The organisation also started a support group for adult learning (ABET) as there is a lack of support within the community.
“Over the years, we have had people from as far afield as Hillbrow, Kempton Park, Kromdraai, Randfontein, Princess, Tshepisong, Dobsonville and Kagiso attending our classes,” she added.
The organisation’s mission is ‘Building a better South Africa – Empowering one student at a time’ and their vision is ‘Helping people help themselves’.
They are also pleading with businesses and well-established individuals for sponsorships or donations.
For more information, the Academy can be contacted on 061 498 9844.
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