Umzi Wethu is a social intervention programme which offers a gateway for vulnerable youth to access support, qualifications and a self-sustaining job in the ecotourism industry. This training academy – offering both residential and flexible day support for a year – is a non-profit initiative enabled through scholarships.
It is equally an environmental intervention, enabling young people to access the healing qualities of nature and positive adult relationships. Every Umzi learner – regardless of their specialty training – goes “on trail”, spending a part of their training time in a wilderness setting. Both through nature and skills development, the training academy aims to support citizenship – to develop long-term health, life skills, self esteem, job competency, management potential and a culture of generosity to others. Every student receives healthcare, nutrition, counselling and mentoring and a nurturing home environment during the year.
Initiated by the Wilderness Foundation South Africa in response to the social development needs of the Eastern Cape, Umzi Wethu is the first conservation programme to directly address the impact of the HIV/AIDS crisis on our families.
Many of the young students are either parentless or under a great deal of pressure from their families, due to the impact of HIV Aids and poverty. Guaranteed jobs are an outcome of an intensive comprehensive approach over a 12 month period. Training in each field is provided by recognised experts who are already successful in their professional arenas. Students are given practical experience in the successful Connyngham’s training coffee shop or out in the field to support the theory they are learning, before they venture into employment.
“It is a programme which involves genuine social upliftment” -Andrew Muir, CEO Wilderness Foundation South Africa.
One of Umzi Wethu’s strengths is the partnerships between some 35 organisations representing environmentalists, social workers, Aids organisations, academics, training institutions and the hospitality industry.
“ We are committed to creating a meaningful and sustainable impact. It is vital that Umzi Wethu provides more than accredited training and care. Job placement enables our graduates to bring their talents to the workplace. ”
After 18 months of the pilot phase, the first intake of hospitality students graduated on 1 July 2007. They all qualified as either Junior Chefs or Food and Beverage coordinators, and are now employed in the eco-tourism sector of the Eastern Cape at Kariega; Kuzuko and Shamwari Game Reserves.’
Employers are already recognising the calibre of Umzi Wethu graduates and the advantages of intensive training. Three of the first graduates were targeted for management training within the first months of employment.
The second group of learners, which included two young women, were trained to be Game Rangers. They graduated and went into job placements in February 2008. Simultaneously a 3rd intake of 16 learners were undergoing training as professional junior chefs and a 4th intake is now being selected.
Here, Freddie talks about his experience of attending Umzi Wethu:
A second Umzi Wethu college has recently opened at Somerset East, while a number of others are in the planning stages.
If you are interested in helping support this programme, or would like more information please contact Jo Roberts in the UK on 01245 443073 or email jo@wildernessfoundation.org.uk or Andrew Muir in South Africa on 041 3730293 or email andrew@sa.wild.org, in the US contact Julie Dunn on email : julie@wild.org.”
For further information visit: http://www.wildernessfoundation.org.za
