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About 18 intellectually challenged youth now have the skills to enter the mainstream workplace after they successfully completed the Adult Integration Programme (AIP) at The Living Link.
The Living Link is a training centre that focuses on the integration and up-skilling of intellectually disabled young adults between 18 and 35 years.
The programme is aimed at achieving independence at home and at work. The institution aims to help students to transition from school to work and finally to independent living and self-sufficiency.
On Wednesday 24 August the organisation had its annual AIP graduation ceremony at the Jubilee Community Church in Observatory.
Gregory Sirmongpon, Manager at the Cape Town office, explains that the training includes life skills and work readiness skills combining an NQF Level 1 cleaning and hygiene qualification.
He says: “The second phase membership for these individuals then involves the sourcing and creation of employment that is both gainful to the disabled individual and value-adding to the organisation they are employed by.”
On Wednesday 18 students received their certificates. One group completed the course in October last year while the other group finished in March this year.
But due to the Covid-19 pandemic the graduation ceremonies were postponed.
Sirmongpon explains that their AIP provides students with the tools and skills they need to successfully enter the mainstream workplace.
“When students leave here, we want them to know whether they have been told that they couldn’t do things, that they are able to do those things. Sometimes they need to learn the skills, sometimes they need to get the tools, but they would constantly need to learn that because in the workplace it is challenging. But if they have the tools, they can use it to get around whatever challenges they may have.”
Sirmongpon says they are proud of the group’s achievements.
“It’s a major achievement. It’s a one-year programme and to get them through that year is a huge challenge because they come with different learning challenges. We are trying to get them to understand that a part of them being independent is finding some form of work or starting their own business, but they need to get the tools to do that.”
He says while some of the graduates have already found employment, others are still seeking job opportunities.
“For some of them we were able to place them into employment. For the other group we are still trying to find employment. That is what we do, we try and find employment for them and support them in that employment as well.”
Local musician Jarrad Ricketts was a guest speaker and encouraged the students to follow their dreams.
“Some of us come from communities where people are afraid of dreaming big and thinking big and eradicating stereotypes that get placed on you and I just want to encourage these students to become their own cheerleaders. And to realise that this is the starting block for so much more for them, they should not be limited in their thinking, and they can achieve so much more.”
The graduates believe they are ready to face the working environment.
Fikile Nontombana says: “I have learnt about finance, how to calculate your tax and I learnt how to cook.
“I am currently working at Woolworths as a shelve packer, but my dream is to work at the iStore. So, I am developing myself so that I can go work there. I feel ready for the working world now. It is a bit scary, but I am ready for it.”
Thimna Zembetha says: “I feel ready for the working world now. I am working at Pick n Pay Tygervalley. I feel a bit more independent that I am able to earn a small salary.”
Liam Klaasen says his communication skills improved ever since he joined the institution.
“I have learnt how to communicate with people better. I feel ready for the working environment now.”
Timothy Myburgh says his people skills have improved and he hopes to secure a job at a warehouse.
Parent Denalda Tuckett says: “My son’s confidence has grown and his ability to deal with people and a work environment has been enhanced. I can see how he has blossomed into somebody who can go out into the work force and make a career for himself. I am so proud of him.”
Sirmongpon encourages employers to employ more people with learning or an intellectual challenge.
“There are young people out there that have a learning, or an intellectual challenge and it doesn’t mean that they are unable to do anything. A lot of young people who come through our doors are able to work in an open labour market if there are certain accommodations made. As an organisation we can assist employers with that as well.”
For more information www.thelivinglink.co.za
