Mamelani has
initiated an internship programme where young men who have grown up in
Children's Homes are able to gain valuable work experience and skills necessary
for entering the working world.
“Apart
from the obvious benefits of an internship programme, such as skills
development and job preparation, I have seen a huge amount of personal growth
in the young men that have been participating in this programme. They have told
me about how it has made them more confident and given them a greater sense of
self worth and I have been impressed by their determination to succeed at work.
One of the young men is getting up at 4:30am to travel from Khayelitsha to
Steenberg, and in the first week did not have an alarm clock, but was still on
time every day. Another young man, who has never coped in other job placements,
offered to work more days than initially agreed. When I explained that even if
he worked more days, he would not get a higher stipend, he said that he was
aware of that and that he didn’t mind. He said he was really enjoying his work
and was hoping to impress his employer” - Clinton Osbourn, Programme
facilitator.
This
is what some of them have had to say about their internship experience:
Sandile, who has been working for Waterfront Boat Company, has
gained a lot from the experience and is ready to face the working world with
his newly acquired skills and confidence. When asked about the internship he
said “I have learnt that
there is nothing that I cannot do. I can work with anyone and speak with people
that I don’t know”.
Vusumzi, who
has been working at Minuka's Restaurant had this to say “I have enjoyed making
new friendships at work. I have learnt that I am able to adapt easily to new
situations. This internship has helped me become more confident. Now I am able
to work anywhere”
Gcobani, who
has been working at Lola's restaurant had this to say “What I enjoy the most is
the people that I work with and the friendships that they have for me. I have
learnt to cook and to make a lot of different things. I have learnt that I can
stand up for myself. I can be with people that I am not used to being with as
equals and I can make friendships with them. The internship has given me more
confidence and it has helped me to look after myself and my family. It has also
improved my relationship with my family as I am able to contribute and my
girlfriend’s parents respect me now because I am working”.
The
strength of the programme lies in that it works intensively with the youth
building their self esteem and identifying their most suitable career path.
Many of them have not completed school as their life situations have not
afforded them that opportunity. However, what they lack in education, they make
up in commitment.
