Boland College launches entrepreneurial project
2009-08-27
THE Department of Innovation and Development of Boland College officially showcased their newest entrepreneurial training initiative, the Laingsburg “Kannidood Project”, during an Open Day at the Laingsburg Tourism Bureau. This project, a four-year dream in the making, became a reality in May this year, in collaboration with the Department of Education Western Cape (WCED). Students in training not only demonstrated their newly learned skills, but had the opportunity to sell some of the innovative products they have produced to date. With WCED funding,ELEVEN citizen awards will be featured when the Drakenstein Municipality hosts its first annual Citizens Excellence Awards during November. Boland College kicked off training that hoped to ultimately create sustainable employment opportunities for the local Laingsburg community. The main objective of the training was to tutor students and young adults from the local area in skills such as the making of small glass products (slumping), ceramics (kiln and sun-baked), textile painting techniques, papermaking and printing (lithography). They also received training in soft business and trade skills. Any interested community members could register to become part of this free training initiative, through the assistance of the Tourism Bureau, the only requirements being a Grade 10 certificate, an entrepreneurial interest, a love for working with one’s hands and a positive attitude towards learning a new skill. In May 18 students were chosen to commence for a six-month project, receiving training in the various craft disciplines and learn entrepreneurial skills such as how to manage a business, product planning and development, pricing and selling. Facilitators were sourced from across the Western Cape, each a specialist in their respective fields, that not only teach, but mentor these students as well. Each student receives a small stipend for the duration of the project and shares in the profit of the group’s products. Cathy Robertson, Deputy CEO: Innovation and Development, said, “It is unbelievable that after only three months’ training, the students are producing products of such a high standard. There is no question that this project is going to be sustainable and will meet our main objective.”
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