Luyanda takes the cake
With job opportunities hard to come by, learning an income generating skill is a necessity - Julie Jonson, Founder of Zikulise
YOU are never too old - or too young - to start planning a skill that will provide for you in the future.
Take, for example, the story of Luyanda Makhathini (13) who recently completed a baking course at the Zikulise Community Upliftment Project NPC in Empangeni.
The quiet, unassuming young lady hails from Mandlazini where she lives with her uncle, aunt and their children.
She recently participated in a three-day foundation baking course, and although the youngest participant, trainer Thalente Mhlongo was delighted with her skill and enthusiasm.
‘Luyanda has the potential to become a good baker. With her newly acquired skills she has been empowered to assist her family by baking biscuits, muffins, queen cakes, cupcakes and many more delicious baked goods to sell to her community.
Luyanda grins with delight as she discusses her experience.
‘Baking is such fun. I really enjoyed the training and I can’t wait to take it further.’
Zikulise’s aim is to educate and train people, thereby empowering them to stand on their own.
The isiZulu word ‘Zikulise’ means to grow oneself.
Zikulise’s vision is to uplift the local community by addressing the unemployment crisis and resulting poverty and the failure rate of small businesses through the provision of skills training courses, after care support, advice and mentorship.
Zikulise’s highest priority is the creation and sustainability of new and existing small enterprises that have a real potential to contribute to the local economy, with emphasis on the creation of blackowned small enterprises that will grow into viable and sustainable businesses.
Their target group is the unemployed, youth, women, the physically challenged, people from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, SMMEs, cooperatives and entrepreneurs.
Situated in the heart of Empangeni, Zikulise can be contacted through zikulise.org.za, by stopping at their premises at 44 Turnbull Street, or calling
035 7925477.