Gratia Plenia Academy expanding to help community

Gratia Plena Academy is a registered but not accredited non-profit organisation that wants to make a difference in the community through skills development.

Santie Theron, the founder and principal of the organisation explained their vision and mission, “The academy offers non-accredited courses at low cost that teach students the skills needed to apply for a position in their areas of interest. We equip them with these skills as we hope that the training provided will be a step closer to obtaining employment. By doing this, we are building a better South Africa, empowering one student at a time, and helping them to help themselves.”

She added that they will be offering new courses from April this year, among them Domestic Worker, Cooking and Baking, Welding, Fibreglass, DIY Car Service and Small Repairs, Interview Skills, Communication and Self-Esteem/Self-Confidence.

“In addition to this, we would also like to start a support group for those who are pregnant, single and afraid. Our aim is to support the expectant mother throughout her pregnancy, both physically and emotionally. We have the support of a gynaecologist and several midwives on this project. These expectant moms will be treated with respect and love and will not be judged,” Santie said.

The academy will also be offering a programme called ‘Mentoring Fatherless Children’, which will be aimed at boys between the ages of seven and 25 years. “By getting involved with these single parenting households, we are trying to close the gap, doing the typical things dads would have taught them. It gives them the opportunity to reach out to their mentors with their own personal challenges,” she explained.

Santie added that a reading and writing club, as well as a homework centre is also on the cards to help the community’s children.

The academy hosts the courses from Monday to Saturday. For more information, contact them on 081 443 4908 or by email to gratiaplenaacademy@outlook.com.