The Engen Global Citizen Development Programme (EGCDP) proudly highlighted the achievements of its learners at a Learner Presentation Day held at the Blue Roof Life Space in Wentworth on Wednesday, 11 October 2023.

Launched in April this year in collaboration with the Community-Engen Joint Committee, EGCDP aims to meet the educational needs of the South Durban Basin (SDB) community by enhancing the future employability of 100 residents from Umlazi, Wentworth, Lamontville and Merebank. 

The programme provides participants with artisan training, learnership opportunities, accredited qualifications, and Adult-Based Education and Training (ABET).

During the Learner Presentation Day, 29 beneficiaries of the programme, comprising 12 Systems Development learners and 17 Technical Support learners, presented innovative group projects to potential employers, mentors, and members of the Community-Engen Joint Committee. 

The projects ranged from voting solutions to coffee delivery service applications, all of which demonstrated the learners' newly acquired skills and creativity.

In addition, it was announced that 12 Systems Development learners will be placed with various host companies to gain workplace experience as junior developers in companies specializing in Information Technology.

Engen’s head of Transformation and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr James Xolani Nyawera commended the EGCDP's progress, highlighting the significant impact the programme has made in such a brief time. 

"Engen is extremely happy with the EGCDP's progress since its launch earlier this year. It is our ultimate reward to empower and upskill members of the community to pursue stimulating careers that will benefit not only them personally but also their families and the broader economy of South Africa," commented Nyawera.

Community-Engen Joint Committee EXCO members said that the success of the EGCDP was a testament to the power of collaboration and education. 

“Witnessing the growth and innovation showcased by our learners on the recent Learner Presentation Day fills us with immense pride. This initiative, driven by the joint efforts of the Community-Engen Joint Committee, is not just about providing skills; it's about transforming lives, building futures, and enriching our community.”

Mmalenyalo Galane, Engen’s Skills Development Manager, praised the learners' achievements, emphasizing the programme's success in providing practical workplace experience and theoretical knowledge. 

"The progress that the learners have made since the start of the programme is astounding. They have successfully completed mock interviews, and the programme boasts a 100% attendance rate with no learners dropping out," stated Galane.

Dlama Smart Skills, a specialist company providing tailored ICT training solutions for the EGCDP, plays a crucial role in the programme's success, with learners benefitting from interactive training comprising 70% practical workplace experience and 30% classroom-based theory, all delivered by qualified facilitators who are experts in their fields. 

Dlama Smart Skills also collaborates with employers to secure job placements for learners, providing them with mentors to guide them and prepare them for permanent employment or entrepreneurship.

Engen, as a company, is dedicated to supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). By championing these goals, Engen is committed to ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all while fostering sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all.

The EGCDP Learner Presentation Day not only celebrated the achievements of the participants but also marked a significant step toward a brighter future for the South Durban community. 

“Engen remains steadfast in its commitment to helping empower individuals and communities, creating a positive impact, and contributing to the overall prosperity of South Africa,” added Nyawera.