On October 13th 2017, Tata Africa Holdings and Valued Citizens Initiative awarded 87 Grade 12 learners after they completed Bridging for Life, a two year leadership programme.

Selected because of their willpower to change their lives after writing a letter of motivation, 100 learners were taken through a journey of self-discovery. They learned to understand their DNA relating to their values, their strengths and weaknesses, and how better to manage their emotions and stand for what they believe in. They then learned soft skills such as self-management, self-leadership, communication, and emotional intelligence (EQ) through experiential learning.

At the certification, our learners had a voice to share their testimonies because finding your voice is about becoming vocal about what you deserve – contributing towards our economy and not being left in poverty in QwaQwa or Soweto.

They were inspiring! Delivering a keynote address on the day, Deputy Director General at National Department of Higher Education and Training, Dr N Sishi, said “Bridging for Life declares a war against high failure rates and poor performance in our education system. This certification is a culmination of a two year long intensive process of preparing Grade 11 and 12 learners for successful enrollment in the post school education and training system. The Bridging for Life programme seeks to ensure that in the long term these learners would have develop skills that position them as employable.”

Mr. Len Brand, Managing Director for Tata Africa Holdings, motivated learners to work hard through sharing his own personal life journey. Having witnessed moving speeches of gratitude and appreciation from the learners, Mr Brand highlighted the importance of the programme, saying “Tata Africa Holding is very proud to be part of this programme as it plays an important role in long term success of learners.”

The Audience composed of our guests: From left to right – Mr. Govender – Air Liquide; Dr. Sishi – Department of Higher Education and Training; Mr. Hlahatsi and Mr. Maweni – Valued Citizens Initiative Board; Mrs. Dalglish – Schneider Electric; Mr. Sebastiani – French Department of Education; Mr. Motaung – Alumni; Mr. Brand – Tata Africa Holdings. Welcome by Mr. Maweni, Chairperson of  Valued Citizens Initiative.

Our beneficiaries seating with our guest Mr. Ramano, CEO of Mitochondria Energy Company Bridging for Life Learners from Mookodi High School taking pride in receiving their Certificates in the presence of Mr. Len Brand, Executive Director of Tata Africa Holdings.

Nthabiseng Matsoso, Bridging for Life sharing about the lessons learnt through the two-year programme. Mr. Mbule, Principal of Mookodi HS thankful for the holistic development of learners and his team. Mr. Len Brand handing Certificates acknowledging learners’ achievements.

Bridging for Life Learners from Namedi High School celebrating their accomplishments with Mr. Len Brand, Executive Director of Tata Africa Holdings. Albert Dove, Bridging for Life Alumni delivering his testimonial about his career path and the importance of using the Bridging for Life tool kit to live your dreams.

Mr. Len Brand, connecting his life story with the life journey of our learners, inspiring them to persevere because YOU CAN!

Dr. Sishi, DDG: Planning, Policy and Strategy Department of Higher Education and Training elaborating on the findings of Research relating to the importance of cognitive skills and developing an innovative curriculum supporting the development of essential skills for the world of work

Appreciation time… composed of a reflection on the journey our learners went through and a moment to say thank you to our partner – Tata Africa Holdings and stakeholder – National Department of Higher Education and Training Celebrating together a meaningful milestone!