Learn to Earn

In Khayelitsha near Cape Town Nelson Mandela Children's Funds project partner Learn to Earn works with unemployed people to help them to develop the confidence and skills to seek and retain work.

The range of work related skills training is wide -- sewing, woodwork, baking, and computers . And of course the work also involves life skills -- understanding oneself and addressing issues such as domestic violence and HIV and Aids.

The sewing course is a huge success, with many of the course graduates finding work with large and reputable employers.

The project leaders have worked hard to develop contacts with employers in the area, and the strong reputation of Learn to Earn graduates ensures that they are welcomed on work experience programmes which then leads many immediate offers of employment.

In an area where unemployment levels run at 40% of those actively looking, Learn to Earn's well rounded, supportive, yet commercially focused approach shines like a real beacon of hope and a great example of a positive partnership between the not for profit and commercial sectors.