A total of 84 learners from Valued Citizens Initiative’s “Bridging for Life programme” received their certification on Wednesday 18 September.
This prestigious event took place at the Blue Bay Lodge in Saldanha.
The learners from Louwville High School and New Vredenburg High Schools are in their second and final year of the programme like 10 other high schools in the Gauteng, Limpopo and KwaZulu-Natal.
Carole Podetti-Ngono, founder and managing director of the Valued Citizens Initiative, said the primary aim of “Bridging for Life” is to impart essential soft skills, ranging from emotional intelligence, effective communication, self-leadership and management, career development, citizenship education and to ensure academic resilience.
She said learners found their voice and learned to gain self-confidence and discipline, setting clear boundaries and developing a problem-solving approach, which enable them to stand firm as active valued citizens and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic mainstream.
Valued Citizens Initiative believes that the final years of high school are of paramount importance in preparing learners for higher education and training.
Since its inception in 2010 the “Bridging for Life programme”, endorsed by the Department of Higher Education and Training has proven itself with 70% of the trainees reaching tertiary education from rural township schools.
“Bridging for Life is an effective programme assisting learners to transition from high school to higher education institutions, ensuring quality outcomes,” Podetti-Ngono added. “We believe investments of this nature contribute to reducing high university drop-out rates, which currently stand at 50%.”
Andre Lamprecht, representing the Head of Education’s Brent Walters, stated that these learners have to continue receiving support, empowering them with the tools they need to thrive. “The Bridging for Life leadership programme is more than just an initiative; it is a beacon of hope and opportunity, lighting the way for our youth to not only dream but also to realise those dreams.”
At the event many learners shared their testimonials. A thank you also goes to Aurora Wind Power and the Western Cape Eduction Department (WCED) for their support.
