Skills Development

In early 2010, Usindiso decided to start in-house Skills Development Programmes to be able to assist the women who are unable to access the training programmes that were already underway with our network partners. This is in line with the Usindiso Vision of fully equipping the ladies so that when they are ready to leave the shelter, they are able to be self-sufficient and fully capable of standing on their own. 

The training programmes are as follows:-

Chef Training

In partnership with FNB, a group of 10 ladies started this training in June 2010 under distinguished Executive Chef, Warren Pope, at Bank City Johannesburg. Warren oversees 5 large kitchens and restaurants there, ranging from 5-Star Executive Dining to the staff canteen. Our ladies trained with Warren and his team for six months, rotating in the different kitchens and at Usindiso’s kitchen. Today 6 of those ladies are employed and independent. A big thank you to Warren and his team.

In 2011, a smaller group of ladies started their training in June. They are so keen and excited about this training and we are all expecting great things from them.
  

Warren Pope (centre back) and his team, with Jean Bradley of  Usindiso Ministries (second right).	Warren Pope and members of his team with Nicole Strydom (second left), FNB Banking Channels Segment Volunteers Co-ordinator, and Jean Bradley (second right), Usindiso Ministries Pastor and CEO.
Some of the ladies in the group training as chefs at present. They did the food for a function held for Warren.

Child Minder

A number of ladies have already been trained in Child Minding, which is a 6-month course and consists of accredited training at Domestic Bliss in Child Care and then an intensive First Aid course that is run by Fiona Mey. This is a popular training as usually there are many opportunities for employment for our ladies in this field.
  

Childcare graduates.

Fiona Mey putting the ladies though intensive first aid training, and the proud graduates.