Stellenbosch-based NGO Bergzicht Training & Development (BTD) recently hosted the Remgro-funded Health and Frail Care certification ceremony for its fourth graduate group of the year.
The joyous event saw 14 graduates receive their certification for this 15-week full-time course. BTD is focused on producing high quality, relevant and in-demand training.
The accredited health and frail care programme covers five weeks’ theoretical and practical on-campus training, as well as 10 weeks’ practical work through a work-integrated learning opportunity offered at one of BTD’s partner institutions in the greater Stellenbosch area.
Graduate Someleze Johnson served as MC of the graduation, while graduate Nosongo Mbambala delivered a touching opening prayer after the new graduates entered.
BTD CEO Renske Minnaar welcomed the guests, including Cheryl Farao from Remgro Limited, BTD director Dr Hannes Koornhof and guest speakers Sister Maria Luphondo (nursing director at Eerste River Hospital) and BTD alumna Phatiswa Princess Danana.
The BTD team and the new graduates noted it hadn’t been an easy road since the programme started in April, but that they’d successfully completed this part of their journey thanks to perseverance and the support they’d received from one another and the BTD team.
Farao congratulated the graduates on their hard work and motivated them by stating that “life is like a camera in the sense that one should focus on the important things and always take another shot if things don’t work out the first time”.
Luphondo described the group as “warriors” and said that communities need people like them now more than ever. “I would like to encourage you to go into the community, lead and make a difference,” she added.
This powerful message was echoed in the words of Khayamandi local Danana, who said the ceremony was an act of empowerment for women within their communities.
Tears of joy were visible as the graduates received their certificates from Koornhof and Farao, as well as when each graduate lit a candle.
They then took the Carer’s Pledge, and the ceremony was brought to a close with a word of thanks from graduate Karen Stewart: “Thank you to the funders, facilitators, CEO and director, [my] fellow graduates and everyone else supporting us on this journey.”
As stated by Nathalie Skippers, BTD development manager: “This is not the end of the road for these graduates. BTD offers ongoing support for 12 months after graduation and assists graduates in their job search with the help of local partners.”
To conclude the celebration, the overjoyed graduates were surprised with uniforms donated by the Gouws Trust. The uniforms will contribute to the graduates’ employability during their first work placements.
The recruitment and intake of next year’s students commences in December, with training starting next February.
. Persons who are interested in any of Bergzicht’s programmes can visit the organisation’s website or send a WhatsApp message to 071 637 3029 for more information.
