Skills Training promoting Sustainable Livelihoods
Development of transferable skills is a crucial component in the creation of sustainable livelihoods, within the Palabora mining community. Palabora Foundation established by Palabora Mining Company offers, the mainly unemployed youth within the local mining community a chance to train in bricklaying, carpentry, sewing and food preparation and cooking through skills training programmes, to enable them to seek work in the formal sector. During the six-month course the students also learn basic business studies and accountancy so that they can start their own businesses start earning a living. During 2004 the skills training programme had a total of 239 students enrolled. An example Sealene Sewing & Knitting Project (knitting and sewing project) was established by a group of 20 women from Makhushane village in Ba-Phalaborwa region. Thirteen out of the 20 women involved in the project had received training from the Palabora foundation Sewing course at Leboneng Education centre. The project supply the local market including school uniforms and fabrics for local factories.
Back to top