2020-21 Catalyst Northern Cape Cohort 1 Highlights
In November 2020 we kicked off our very first Catalyst Program intake in the Northern Cape with youth participants in De Aar, Northern Cape!
The Catalyst Northern Cape Cohort 1 started with a 3-day training retreat held in Kimberley for the 35 youth from De Aar. Following the Re-Boot Retreat, we started the 2-day per week workshops in De Aar with both in-person and online learning sessions, supported with WhatsApp Live Chats. The Catalyst Program in De Aar followed a similar model to that which we’ve implemented in our first cohort of Catalyst in Gauteng with modifications to fit the needs of the very different context of the area, as well as ensuring that all COVID-19 Protocols and Safety were followed.
We held an online Alumni Panel session with 3 Catalyst Alumni from Gauteng sharing their experience with our De Aar participants. We also had virtual Mock Interview sessions, virtual Entrepreneurship panels and had excursions to the local Department of Public Works and SEDA. Through the field trips, participants learned about the opportunities and programs that the Department of Public Works has for young people from De Aar, and entrepreneurship support available to them with SEDA.
By February 2021, we had 9 participants converting into employment, education, and skills development programs, and a further 6 by the end of April. We held the Catalyst Showcase event on 24 April at De Aar Country Club which had 22 Catalyst participants in attendance.
Thank you to all the partners, facilitators, service providers and individuals who made our first Northern Cape Catalyst Program possible:
- Funding Partner: Sibona Ilanga Trust
- Implementation Partners: Ethembeni Trauma Centre, Lead Academy, SEDA, De Aar TVET College, Department of Public Works and Hospice Nightingale
- Facilitators: Ayanda Khani and Masego Gaserekwe
- Panelists: Feziwe Ntozini, Annemarie Mostert and Jacobus Jood
- Training Venues: Hospice Nightangle, Emthanjeni Lodge, De Aar Solar Capital building
- Excursion Partners: SEDA, Department of Public Works and Lead Academy
- Transport Providers: Msengana Shuttle Services and Sibeko Local Taxi Services
- Showcase Advisors: Breched De Kok, Andrew Oliphant, Mihlali, and MacDonald
- Individuals who played a critical role in Catalyst NC Cohort 1 Succes: Zukile Tom, Ntombizanele April, Ngata Holele, Asanda Xhashimba, Zamokuhle Dlamini, Freddy Makuwa, Prudence Erens, Rufaro Mudimu, Skhumbuzo Moodaley-Mpisane, Ayanda Khani and Masego Gaserekwe.
