RELEASE: Life skills camp brings joy to underprivileged learners

 

 

 

Life skills camp brings joy to underprivileged learners

 

Forty of the top Grade 7 learners from four rural schools were recently given the opportunity to attend a two day life skills camp at the Africa Ablaze Campsite for Life Skills Development, thanks to WesBank.

 

There was a high level of anticipation as the learners were divided into teams and prepared themselves for a life changing weekend.

 

The learners were exposed to the principles of team work, dealing with responsibility, leadership and the importance of goal setting.  Challenging activities and presentations where balanced by fun sessions. The learners went back to their schools enriched and received assignments to impart the knowledge they have gained with the rest of their schools.

 

The Africa Ablaze Life Skills and Career opportunity camps are a vital link to address the situation that thousands of learners in the informal settlements are faced with.  Learners complete their Grade 12 with no information of what they can do to further their careers in their post matric year.

 

Africa Ablaze has been working towards relieving the plight of poverty stricken rural communities since 1980. Providing a few slices of bread for people on the brink of survival was just the beginning. Today they are a caring, organised team, focused on the specific needs of each individual, equipping the next generation to become significant players in society.

 

The sponsorship of the Life Skills Camp forms part of the WesBank Volunteers programme. The Volunteers programme gives each WesBank staff member the opportunity to get involved in initiatives that will make a sustainable difference to  disadvantaged communities across South Africa. On this particular Saturday, ten WesBank volunteers joined the staff from Africa Ablaze to help facilitate the day.

 

According to Mr Gerald Burton, General Manager of WesBank’s Corporate Division, the concentration levels, respect and passion to learn among these students is a beacon of hope for the next generation of potential movers and shakers.