Vision, Mission & Aims
Learn to Earn Training Project
Learn to Earn (LTE) is a registered NPO that seeks to develop unemployed people, socially, economically, and spiritually. LTE was established in 1989 and has its Head Office in Khayelitsha, one of the largest townships located in Cape Town. It addresses the lack of skills training, development, and economic opportunities for the Khayelitsha residents.
Due to the pressing demand for its services LTE formed various partnerships with the Department of Labour , the Woodwork Sector Education and Training Authority, and the Western Cape Cultural Commission and expanded its services to unemployed communities Zwelihle, Hawston, Mount Pleasant (Hermanus) and Fisantekraal (Durbanville). LTE currently renders accredited training courses in sewing, woodwork, beadwork, and business management to previously unemployed and unskilled people to enable them to become self-supporting.
Innovation
LTE courses are tightly focused, carefully constructed and practical in nature. Practical life skills are also incorporated into courses. The pre-employment exposure given to students to the world of work and to its disciplines - through placements during training, visits to businesses and factories, and throughout training, stressing the needs of future employers for reliability, speed, accuracy and problem solving.
Effectiveness
During the 2002/03 financial year 552 students were trained; in 2003/04, 450 students received accredited training. In all, 6500 students have graduated from LTE in its 16 years of existence. Tracking systems are currently being put in place to monitor the progress of these students.
Poverty Impact
Not only does the project meet the needs of the graduates, it also impacts on their households. They are able to provide food for their children, pay school fees, take care of sick family members. “I can now pay my children’s fare to school, poverty is indeed over”. I can now help my husband raise our grandchildren…and I can pay for our own transport to work”. My brother cannot work…with the money I make I can look after him and buy him food. Now I can see light through the dark tunnel”.
Sustainability
Funding is received from donors, churches, service organisations and foundations, with students contributing 10% of the course fees. Currently LTE is able to meet its running costs and according to their financial records they will continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Replication
The model can be easily replicated. It is important to maintain training standards across the board with a committed team.
Partnerships
- National Department of Labour
- Western Cape Cultural Commission
- Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund
- FIETA
- Churches
Visit www.learntoearn.org.za for more information
