Solar Entrepreneurs -Preparing the Future

Without wanting to lose the momentum generated during 2014, the project being run in conjunction with the Dutch Embassy was launched in December 2014.

The first phase of the project is to select and build the capacity of 15 Solar Entrepreneurs, who will then go out and sell household solar products, within their communities. 

After a group of community members from Witteklip, Fitches Corner and Shamrock had gathered at the Witteklip MPC, the first session of entrepreneurial training was conducted. 

Thereafter, the entire group was trained on the installation, operation and technical aspects of a solar theft-proof roof light and a solar desk lamp. 

By way of an entrepreneurial survey, 15 individuals (3 from each community) were selected as solar entrepreneurs. 

Each entrepreneur was given a start-up kit of products. Their duty is to sell these products over the next month, and then bring feedback with regards to their challenges, lessons learnt etc.

Watch this space, as the project unfolds. 

Numeracy Training -FSB

The Financial Service Board (FSB), visited the Witteklip Multi-Purpose Centre on the 10th December, to conduct training with all 3 communities.

This was a highly anticipated event, due to the nature of the topic covered and the need in the
communities. 

Budgeting was the major topic of the day, with all of the attendants being divided into four groups, in order to discuss and prepare their own budget. Most of the day was spent discussing this subject, with many rigorous debates and some really insightful ideas being proposed. 

The communities learnt a lot about clothing accounts, loan sharks, saving and how to stretch the little you have, in order to cover your basic needs. They were also challenged on the subject of take-aways, in comparison to buying ingredients from the shop.

Other topics covered, which were also really beneficial were:

• Funeral policies and funeral cover
• Life after December -how to spend your money over December and January
• The importance of savings
• Consultation with family members

Daily update of Witteklip MPC Renovations

Gas stove installed 

Today busy with installing Gas Stove. See more...

Daily Update of Witteklip MPC Renovations

Building cages for gas bottles

Today busy with installing hand basins. See more...

Knitting Classes

The knitting aficionados

 WOW! From Zero to Products!

There are individuals that just get on and do what they are passionate about, Ms. Jeanette Nolte is one such person. She has taken the Knitting Class on a journey from ZERO to producing PRODUCTS. We have also procured stock for the knitting aficionado produce more products over the festive season. We are looking forward to even greater achievements in 2015. See more...

A short update by the magician responsible for the knitting program

These are the items that the ladies have started to knit at home which will eventually be sold.  Some of the pieces have been ordered so things seem to be going the way as planned.  I am more than thrilled with the progress of these ladies, truly a bunch of ladies that have now discovered that they are capable of knitting.

I have since the final and last  class for this programme,  bought more wool for the Fitchet's Corner and Shamrock Village and handed Lindeka and Mrs Jacobs wool and knitting needles.  I was truly sorry that Witteklip ladies were not interested in the knitting programme.

The two ladies in the handing over of the certificate  picture, are now the two ladies who run the knitting class  in Fitchet's Corner and Shamrock.

Both are doing extremely well. Fitchet' Corner has two more ladies being taught  to  knit and Shamrock Village (Lindeka) has six ladies. Unfortunately they are limited as to the number of ladies that can come to their respective homes, but they are managing.

I have been keeping in contact with them via the cell phone but now that I can get around I will be visiting the two communities. See more...

 

Witteklip MPC Renovations

Progress Update

The renovations are going according to plan this far, I am happy with service rendered by Clinton’s alterations. I am busy preparing a progress report on a spreadsheet below is the quick internal progress report of the WMPC.

Kitchen

• Tiling on the Floor and on the wall is completed
• Ceiling Refurbished and Painted
• Plugs and lights switches all installed 
• Cupboards, double water sink and tap installed
• Plumbing is completed

Safe Room

• Safe with a frame is constructed
• 3x Plugs installed 
• Ceiling is painted

Passage

• Old Vinyl tiles removed 
• Ceiling refurbished 

Bathrooms 

• All floors in the bathrooms tiled
• The wall in the gents shower is completely tiled 
• Ceiling in all bathrooms refurbished and painted