The driver’s license project is another very important part of their Phakamisa Upliftment Programme. Not only is this a life skills that can help generate in income after their stay in the Youth Centre, it also forms part of a normal and socially acceptable integration.

 

In 2007, we had our first successful candidate who obtained his Code 8 and 10 licenses. Thabiso, (another student from the Khyalethu Oliver House), for whom we obtained subsequent employment, is presently used as a driver amongst other things. This proved to be an enormous boost for his self esteem, as well as earning him the respect and esteem of his peers at Khayalethu Oliver House.  At present, we have several students in the Learners License program, who will all naturally progress to the Drivers License programme in due time.

A phenomenal sponsorship has been secured in 2010, that will enable 17 of our boys to complete their Drivers Licences over a period of three years.

 

 

As part of creating a work ethic, Khayalethu Youth Centre and Khayalethu Oliver House has also started with week-end and holiday employment for the boys between the ages of fifteen and eighteen. This project started in 2006, during that time,  four of our boys were employed at Butterfield Bakery during weekends and holidays.  In addition to learning an extra skill, and the responsibilities of the working environment, they also earned extra pocket money. Fifty percent on their earnings has to be saved.

 

For this purpose each boy has a bank account and his cards are kept in the safe. When the former and reformed street child leaves Khayalethu, they then have some money in a savings account, which may well be enough to cover one month’s rent and groceries or maybe even to acquire his first tools to start his own little business, who knows – but he now has a choice with skilled options! 

 

Some of the other places of employment that offered our boys a weekend or holiday job has been: Pier 14; Private game reserves, a Cellular Shop, Removal companies, a printing company, a scuba diving school and a tyre company.  Feedback received from all the companies have been very positive, which encourages not only our boys to persevere, but also encourages other companies to take on further candidates for employment based on the success of the current structure.

 

 

Every young man at Khayalethu has dynamic Curriculum Vitae  (CV), which is constantly updated as they acquire experience, knowledge and skill, which will hopefully assist them greatly in obtaining employment when leaving Khayalethu Youth Centre and Khayalethu Oliver House.

 

 

We face tremendous challenges with obtaining Identity Documents for the former street children as most boys were not even registered at birth. Part of our function also includes the mountainous task of birth date estimation, registration and obtaining an identity document for each and every child. At 16 they are eligible for an Identity Document, which is when we initiate the application process, having completed the request for initial birth certificates and relevant documentation prior to this stage.

 

 

- Basic Bricklaying

 

A programme, specifically for the older boys has been initialized. We would like to empower them to earn a sustainable living, when they leave Khayalethu. Ten of our boys have already completed the Basic Bricklaying course, which was presented over a period of ten weeks. During September 2006 the boys used their newly gained skills when fifteen of our boys stayed at an informal setting for a week and helped build houses, they erected a wall for a crèche etc.  This was a big positive initiative and very effective method to put their newly taught skills to good use as they were very eager. One particular challenge we faced at that time, was the funding we needed to acquire the building material, paying for petrol for transportation and the like, having achieved so much, was again invaluable in teaching the former street children what they can achieve and how they can positively impact on the lives of others.

 

- Basic Tiling

 

Following the basic bricklaying course, it only made sense to further cement the newly acquired skills in the building industry with a Basic Tiling Course. Again, putting the newly taught skills to practice as soon as possible through various programme really do form an integral part of practicing and performing a newly taught skill and effectively transforming it into a sustainable resource.

 

 

 

Most of our boys hail from a disadvantaged background with parental instability and neglect often resulting in the removal of the children from their homes. Bearing this in mind, it is important to know that most of our boys’ parents never registered their birth and school priority has simply not been a priority.

 

One such boy living at ACVV Khayaleythu Oliver House, is Asanda. Having never completed mainstream schooling, Khayalethu obtained funding in order for him to attend ABET, together with some form of career pathing opportunities. Asanda will never be able to complete schooling, but he can continue to attend ABET. We have since secured another donor who will fund a Petrol Attendant Course, which will secure employment and provide a base for Asanda to start his career from.

A Course in Wholesale and Retail

Attending a course in Wholesale and Retail will provide greater opportunities for the boys in order to provide them with a greater advantage and affording them better opportunities to be able to earn a living and become a self sustaining member of society.