Empowerment project brings job-seeking skills to the disadvantaged

As part of its 35th anniversary celebrations, Lee Botti & Associates has officially kicked off its empowerment initiative. Branded ‘iThuba’, the idea is to help prepare Grade 12 learners for the job market by running interactive workshops. “The project evolved from the need to make a difference and pass on vital skills that learners may not learn at home or at school,” said MD Lee Botti. “Give someone a job shadow opportunity and maybe they will find employment from there, but teach them how to look for work and present themselves, and they will be able to find opportunity on their own,” said Botti. The three-hour workshop teaches learners the basics about where to look for jobs, how to respond to an advert, how to draw up a CV, and how to conduct themselves in an interview. The project kicked off at Intlanganiso High School in Khayelitsha in Cape Town recently, an event described by Botti as a life-changing experience. “We had 42 learners, as well as their teacher and principal, and finished the workshop on an indescribable high – knowing that we had had the opportunity to make a difference.” While the project is in its early days, it has already attracted some sponsors, with Now Media printing booklets for the learners to take away with them and Iziko offering the use of the Maritime Museum at the Waterfront, as well as giving the learners a short talk on one of the interesting vessels in the museum. “We are now looking for additional sponsors to help cover the cost of transport, refreshments and chair rental,” said Botti. “The workshops will run twice a month and we believe this will grow into ithuba (opportunity in Xhosa and Zulu) for the learners, our clients and our staff.” Companies interested in sponsorship can contact Lee Botti at leeb@nowjobs.co.za.