Adopt an athlete launch – TuksSport Academies
The TuksSport academies established itself as a major contributor to youth and senior national team developer since opening its doors in 2002. The process of talent identification and talent development to specific competition preparation consists of the integration of sport specific coaching, strength and conditioning, mental capacity building, vision training, skill improvement and recovery. Talented young athletes between the ages of 13 and 18 are removed from their traditional school environment and placed in the controlled environment of TuksSport school based at the University of Pretoria’s campus for the department of education.
The integration of latent talent, good sport facilities and world class coaching and sportscience has shown that these young athletes can successfully compete on the world stage. Former learner, Suzaan van Biljon’s world title in the 2008 Short course world championships as well as her 2008 Beijing Olympic qualification is a case in point.
The reality across the globe is that most of the world class performers come from lower middle income brackets which mean that all similar initiatives abroad are heavily subsidized to ensure that all young talented athletes have the opportunity to be developed to their full potential. The TuksSport academies receive no subsidy or sponsorship and rely solely on commercial lines. Continuing Education at University of Pretoria (CE at UP) contributed to the development and fees of three young athletes as part of their social responsibility initiatives. These 3 athletes, all at the ages 14 – 16 will be supported by CE at UP until they leave the academy. The school has also, been sponsoring a number of youngsters, found in the TuksSport talent identification programme that could just not be left undeveloped. These youngsters soon progressed to a level where they are now nationally top ranked in the respective age groups.
The adopt-an-athlete initiative provides a donor/sponsor the opportunity to drastically change a young person’s life forever by financially contributing to a proven programme driven by a reputable university. Comprehensive reports covering academic progress, sport specific results and personal growth are available at the end of every school term.
Training with support to small entrepreneurs guarantees success
Continuing Education at University of Pretoria has donated operational equipments to six up and coming entrepreneurs as part of an Enterprise Development Initiative, which aims to support SMME’s to enhance their businesses and enrich the community.
The entrepreneurs were identified by the School of Entrepreneurship at the Department of Business Management at the University of Pretoria, in collaboration with City of Tshwane’s Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) Development Project.
The entrepreneurs received training and mentorship from the academics and mentors from the School of Entrepreneurship, but in order to get their businesses off the ground they needed essential operational equipment. The entrepreneurs businesses include fashion design, catering, laundry services, transport services and a dress making school.
Baba Selabe, the owner of Babakang Dressmaking School was overwhelmed at the gifts and is anticipating all the new opportunities that the initiative has made possible for her. She is also looking forward to contributing to skills development in her community. “I have walked a long journey and I have learned that it is never too late to achieve your dreams. Thank you to CE at UP and my mentors”, said Selabe.
The project has also been a rewarding experience for the mentors who were involved in the training of the entrepreneurs. Richardt Kok, one of the mentors, said that he admires the level of enthusiasm, perseverance and creativity with which these entrepreneurs approach their respectful vocations. “Through the feedback from the entrepreneurs side, I have yet again realised the importance and relevance of entrepreneurship in South Africa. The basic premise of the mentorship programme is to instil an entrepreneurial thought. In my opinion, the success of this programme cannot only be measured in numbers and the level of economic activity of entrepreneurs, but also in the realization of the possible opportunities accorded to these promising business minds”, said Kok.
According to Deon Herbst, CEO of Continuing Education at University of Pretoria, the project started in April last year and since then 450 people have received training to become entrepreneurs. “We are proud that this project has come to fruition and that we are in a position to give back to the community, not just in training but in real tangible goods. It has been an incredible experience to be part of this project”, said Herbst.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Pretoria, Professor Nthabiseng Ogude, who is also the Chairperson of the Board of the Trustees at CE at UP, also attested to the fact that a real difference is being made in people’s lives. “This has been a heart warming occasion and it has been a great initiative to be part of. Many people talk about community engagement but seeing this in action really brings it into focus. CE at UP is doing well to engage the community and make a real difference”, said Professor Ogude.
The entrepreneur’s performance will be monitored over the next three years to determine growth and sustainability of the small enterprises.
Working together to empower a community
During 2004, SA Cares for Life established the Lesedi la Batho Centre at a vacant shopping centre in Mabopane. The Cluster Care programme operates from this facility and currently 200 orphaned and child headed families in the surrounding areas receive life-giving support through this unique programme. The whole community benefits from the additional services rendered at the centre.
These services include the Lesedi Early Learning Centre that provides a high standard of educational stimulation for vulnerable children. Libra Baby Nursery provides loving care for abandoned babies and a Counselling Centre provides information and counselling to individuals infected with HIV and AIDS. A skills training and job creation centre provides free training and job opportunities to interested community members. The Lesedi Factory produces toilet paper and has successfully been handed over to community entrepreneurs.
With the financial help of CE at UP and the resources of the University of Pretoria, an unused room at the Centre is being transformed into a training and information centre that will provide numerous training and research opportunities to the Lesedi staff and community members.
Chairs and tables were donated last year by CE at UP and ignited the idea of turning the spacious room into a computer laboratory.
With the help of the students from the University the room was cleaned and the Faculty of Community Engagement generously provided the centre with 16 Computers.
Through their 40-hour compulsory community based learning curriculum, students were all set to install, programme and service the computers.
After training the excited staff members and curious school children, there was just one hurdle to overcome: no electricity outlets in the room. After inspection, an electrician detected that the whole Lesedi la Batho Centre's electricity capacity was inadequate to carry the additional electricity supply to the computer room and this explained the frustration that the Care Workers had with regular power failure and overloads.
A proposal was sent to CE at UP for assistance with the electricity crisis as well as with the installation of an internet system. Through internet access, learners have vast educational research possibilities and the opportunity to be in touch with national and international mentors.
CE at UP generously made a R20 000.00 donation that will be used to solve the electricity crisis as well as to install the internet system and fund the monthly network fee.
“All of us at the Lesedi la Batho Centre would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to CE at UP and the University of Pretoria for helping us to serve our community in a superior way and achieving our goal to change the destiny of South Africa's precious children. Please continue to join us in the road ahead next year by offering accredited computer literacy training classes to the Mabopane community. Together we are the change that we want to see in our beloved country.” Chrisna Groenewald, SA Cares for Life
CE at UP Contributes to Enterprise Development
Continuing Education at the University of Pretoria activated a more structured Corporate Social Responsibility approach for 2008 which can contribute more progressive to the community. The entity also became part of an Enterprise Development Initiative to support upcoming SMME to enhance businesses and enrich the community.
CE at UP donated in December 2007 to Dung Beetle Printers cc, an upcoming business, by donating printing equipment to the value of R12 000. Dung Beetle Printers is located in Mamelodi, outside Pretoria and owned by Kabelo Rantho who is physically challenged.
The story of Kabelo Rantho is about an inspiring young man. After matriculated at Pretoria Boys High, he was involved in an unfortunate accident that left him severely handicapped and wheelchair bound. With perseverance and determination Kabelo overcame his setbacks and completed a Learnership which focused on developing entrepreneurs and consisted out of Skills programmes.
At present, Kabelo is the proud owner of his own printing business (Dung Beetle Printers cc) and could complete his offices with the support of CE at UP.
The entity enhances this opportunity for contributing to the community with commitment and an urgent sense of duty.