Saving SA One Job at a Time

It has become a truism that despite there being a shortage of skills in the workplace, especially on the higher levels, South Africa has one of the highest unemployment rates in the world.
     Thousands of kids don't even make it to Matric each year, but many of those who do, are still unsuited for the kind of jobs that are available.
     What can be done about this? A whole lot, according to Harambee.
     At the meeting last week Dianne Woodward of Harambee came to explain just what it is that they do.
     Diane is a dynamic speaker and held the members enthralled, despite a certain amount of chaos in the background, due to the fact that the chef hadn't arrived on time to make the breakfast!
     

Dianne Woodward from Harambee explains their work

     This go-getter organization started about five years ago and has already placed more than 25000 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds in permanent jobs at nearly 250 companies with their Youth Employment Accelerator programme, where the aim is to "teach people the skills they need to operate in the work environment" rather than just teaching them work skills, according to Dianne.
     From start-up of just five corporates funding their efforts, Harambee now receives support from almost 250, and in turn provides them with candidates to fill jobs they otherwise had difficulty in filling with reliable, operational people.

Dianne Woodward explaining the ins and outs of the Youth Employment Accelerators programme

     A visit the the Harambee website (www.harambee.co.za) is worth a few minutes of your time, especially if you are an employer.
     A part of the Harambee experience is preparing their pupils for job interviews, and for this they need volunteer interviewers. They're 
     If you're interested in helping out, you can pitch up at the Harambee offices at 70 Fox Street, in the Johannesburg CBD, at 8.00 for 8.30 am this coming Saturday, 16th July. Contact Sam Donet for more details, or phone the support centre directly at 079 946 8557.
     Dianne is the first of many speakers with whom we're trying to make the meetings more interesting. It must've worked with her, because no fewer than 15 members pitched up last week!
     The speaker this week is Dr Jerome Loveland who will be talking about the charity Surgeons for Little Lives.
     The week after that (20th July) Dr Benny Obayi of Child Welfare South Africa will be speaking to us.

The Rotary Foundation continues to impress

     I was sent an interesting link to the website of CNBC in America by Greta Schuler. The news organization rated the Top 10 Charities Changing the World in 2015, and you'll all be glad to hear that The Rotary Foundation landed the 5th place, with a score of 96.31 out of a possible 100.
     The article reads thus:

     "This not-for-profit organization works to advance world understanding, goodwill and peace. Using Rotary Foundation grants, Rotary's 34,000 clubs across the globe develop and carry out sustainable humanitarian projects and provide scholarships and professional training opportunities.

     One of its biggest initiatives aims at eradicating polio through its PolioPlus program, launched in 1985. Since then, Rotary and its partners, including the World Health Organization and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, have immunized more than 2.5 billion children, reducing the incidence of polio by 99 percent and eradicating it from all but three countries."

     That last sentence should, of course now read all but two countries.

     Heading the CNBC list is Direct Relief, a California based organization that provides emergency medical assistance with a score of 99.94, followed by MAP International (99.92), the Catholic Medical Mission Board (97.87) and the United Nations Foundation with 96.98 points.

Carol Stier shows off the new shirt

     At the meeting last week there was also time for a fashions show of sorts, as we set about choosing a club shirt. The chosen color was a pale blue (I'm sure the fashionistas will be able to find a more descriptive word) for both men and women and in long or short sleeve, as well as a 3/4 sleeve for the women. The pocket will have the Rotary wheel and the club name.

Some more shirt styles

     Those at the meeting put in their orders. Anybody else who wants to order, can contact Ryan from Leisure Brands on 082 652 9810. The shirts cost only R265. Please order, as they need to make at least 20 to warrant the discount we've been given.

     And finally: Please don't forget to let Carol know that you are coming to the Cheese Gourmet evening in Linden. 

     This is a unique opportunity to savor some of South Africa's best cheese, as well as some of the best port style wines, introduced by the winemaker from Axe Hill, Mike Neeve, himself. The take-up has been a bit slow so far, and we need many more bums on seats!

     It promises to be an evening of fun and fellowship. The cheese and port tasting will be followed by a meal of a "cheats' cassoulet" using Peter James-Smith's Toulouse sausages and Axe Hill wine.

A Thought for the Week: A fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dreamt of. - Nelson Mandela (198 - 2013)