Friday 8 February 2013 marked a very special milestone for ten promising and talented young learners. AfriGIS hosted the first graduation ceremony of the AfriGIS Learnership Programme, launched in 2012, in association with CTU Training.
The ten learners, selected from a process where hundreds of individuals applied, commenced the initial leg of the Learnership Programme in February 2012 at CTU Training, which formed the theoretical part of their training. Following the theoretical training was six months' practical training at AfriGIS where professional practitioners served as mentors to introduce and guide them through practical examples of the training and working life. The Graduation Ceremony was the culmination of their hard work, where they received their NQF level 5 Further Education and Training (FET) National Certificate in IT Systems Development.
The proceedings kicked-off with a welcoming by the Master of Ceremonies, Marius Cronje, AfriGIS IT Manager, followed by Brian Civin, AfriGIS Chief Business Officer, who addressed the learners by explaining that a learnership is not about a specific skill as such but a knowledge-gaining experience to grow as an individual and learn more about what you need to know.
Speaking at the event Ronald Meeske, CEO, CTU Training Solutions, thanked AfriGIS for getting involved in the development of young South Africans, as well as parents of the learners, for supporting their children all the way. He congratulated the learners on their good, hard work and positive attitude. "Time spent with high level professionals here at AfriGIS is so valuable, be a sponge and absorb everything. Learning is a lifelong process and attitude is everything," he concluded.
Joseph Mashiloane, Top Learner of 2012, addressed the audience on behalf of his fellow learners; thanking CTU for providing them with theoretical training, AfriGIS for the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and better their skills development and MICT SETA* for partnering with AfriGIS and CTU. The collaboration of these three companies enabled them to become qualified developers. In Mashiloane's words; "We appreciate your confidence in us and willingness to contribute to our education. Jeremiah 29:11 says 'For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.' Fellow friends and graduates, the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Magnus Rademeyer, AfriGIS MD, opened his address to the learners and parents in Setswana, with the assistance of Caster Seakamela, Language Facilitator at AfriGIS, which was well received by parents and learners alike. "We thank our Heavenly Father for giving AfriGIS and you as learners this delightful opportunity. Keep setting goals, there are always more milestones to achieve, focus on God to lead you in your studies and work hard to realise your dreams, Rademeyer said.
The last speaker, Benedict Motau, Marketing and Communication Manager at MICT SETA congratulated AfriGIS and the learners in the programme, which aims to aid delivery of the country's needs, specifically in the Media, Information and Communication industries. His message to the learners; "Work accurately, be meticulous, pay attention to detail. Your ability to be decisive takes you forward. Be energised and shock yourself with realising what you can achieve!"
AfriGIS strongly believes in reaching out to individuals less fortunate, not only to positively influence them but also to experience and enjoy the growth they demonstrate. We are enthusiastic about this skills development programme, which assists with the upliftment of eager and talented young individuals unable to afford further education after matric.
Visit YouTube to meet the talented young learners of the AfriGIS Learnership Programme:
http://youtu.be/Av9vpKk1e1s
http://youtu.be/n_z_fRdocJQ
The learners are currently completing a second year at AfriGIS and will be available to the market at the end of 2013. Should you have employment or further training opportunities for some of these individuals; please contact us on az.oc.sigirfa@sreerac.
* Media, Information and Communication Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority
