The months of August, September and October of 2006 saw Kolping South Africa involved in a number of life skills training programmes.  In particular training was conducted for the Department of Transport and Infrastructure’s Expanded Public Works Programme in the SAAMSTAAN school upgrading project.  This saw Kolping train members of the communities of Elsies River, Bonteheuwel and Mfuleni in life skills.  On the 1 November 2006 the Kolping Society of South Africa played host to the graduation of 90 learners who had gone through the SAAMSTAAN life skills training delivered by Kolping.  Included in this group of learners were a group of 12 Chefs assistant students who had completed training at the Kolping Training Centre kitchen.

The graduation ceremony was attended by a number of local as well as German dignitaries.  Amongst the German guests was a member of the Bavarian Government, Minister Erberhard Sinner (Minister of State).  Representatives from the Department of Transport and Public Works as well as the Department of Labour were also in attendance.  In excess of 100 guests attended the ceremony and these were representatives from the South African Government as well as service providers used by the Kolping Society.  The ceremony saw learners receive their life skills certificates.  Three learners spoke to the delegation about their experiences in the life skills course as well as the great impact the course has had on their lives.  The graduation ceremony was preceded by various presentations on the work conducted by Kolping South Africa.  Members of the delegation learnt about the Kolping motorcycle training project, recycling projects, the Work Opportunity Programme, the Kolping Training Centre Programmes as well as a visit to the Kolping Training Centre kitchen.  The guests and dignitaries were regaled by the impressive voices of the Domsingknaben (a world famous German Boys choir) who were ably supported by the local Montana Primary School choir.  The overall theme of the graduation ceremony was empowerment and how various projects in Kolping contribute towards equipping individuals from disadvantaged communities with skills to help them battle out of unemployment.

The various Kolping Training programmes are an excellent opportunity for unemployed people looking to change their life circumstances.  If there are any people unemployed and older than 18 with at least a grade 10 who wish to participate in the KTC life skills and hard skills training programmes, please contact Maureen Roberts (KTC manager) at 021 934 8361 or Charlton Ziervogel at the national office at 021 975 9722.