5 October 2006
Thirty five young people from six schools in the province recently (Tuesday,
3 October) received their certificates from AgriTrain for completing the
bridging programme called, 'A Window to the Future.' The programme assisted
these young people through a life-enrichment and skills training as well as an
academic support programme to take up new professional opportunities that have
become increasingly available in the agricultural sector.
AgriTrain, under the leadership of Margaret Africa, was established as an
initiative to address the problem of rural underdevelopment. "Often learners
leaving school in the rural areas are particularly vulnerable to the challenges
of entering the job market and require an intervention designed to assist them
in developing a career path suited to their individual talents and potential,"
explains Margaret. "AgriTrain's bridging programme, 'A Window to the Future' is
such an intervention and has been implemented in its first pilot format."
Not neglecting the opportunities in the agricultural industry, AgriTrain
recently has also broadened its target to introduce young people to other
professions such as veterinary science, actuarial science, accountancy and
more.
"It is AgriTrain's firm belief and experience that relevant and targeted
education and training will grow learners to become socially matured,
culturally enriched and economically productive citizens," says Margaret. "The
goal of the programme is to bridge the gap between the world of the school and
that of the institutions of higher learning and of the workplace and we believe
we have achieved that."
Enquiries:
Margaret Africa
Tel: (021) 862 2861
Charlene Nieuwoudt
Communications Manager
Western Cape Department of Agriculture
Tel: (021) 808 5008
Fax: (021) 808 5000
Issued by: Department of Agriculture, Western Cape Provincial
Government
5 October 2006
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
