Refurbishing Nndebele High School: a pipeline of new talent for South African industry and a boost for Duduza youth community
Among the 18 new projects that the Alstom Foundation is supporting this year, one takes place in South Africa near Johannesburg where Alstom is well established (in Nigel). The aim of the project is to refurbish Nndebele High School in Duduza (Johannesburg) and to equip the school with the tools and equipment necessary to allow training to be given in welding and technical drawing. The project also involves the installation of solar panels to allow the electricity costs to be reduced.
To better understand this project, we interviewed its promoter and sponsor within Alstom: Norrine Dorfling , HR manager, and Yvan Eriau, CEO Alstom Ubunye.
Why did you decided to participate in Alstom Foundation?
N.D & Y.E.: We felt that we really needed a project that was closer to our business and long term sustainability, feeding the pipeline for talent at Alstom Ubunye, really making a difference in the community.
How did you discover this project of High School Refurbishment?
N.D.: Duduza is a township located in the west of Nigel on the East Rand, Gauteng.
About 26% of the population in Duduza is currently unemployed and looking for jobs. Alstom Ubunye acknowledges that good education is about more than just completing Matric and we believe it shouldn’t just end there. Students exit the fundamental knowledge and skills they need in the world of work.
Education is a high priority in South Africa due to shortage of skills especially in the manufacturing industry. Alstom Ubunye has an accredited Welding School and as part of the Alstom Ubunye’s social responsibility the school has annually taken in 10 Welding Learners. The opportunity was identified to collaborate with one of the schools in Nigel – Duduza as 60% and more of our employees reside there. Alstom Ubunye engaged with the Department of Education, Mr. Poovan Chetty and Ndebele High School to identify the need and possibility of introducing a Mechanical Technology and Engineering Graphic and Design Curriculum at the school for Grade 10 – 12 Learners and combined with this a practical school to train the learners. This would be a pipeline of skilled welders for the industry.
Why do you decide to support this project?
N.D.: The Ndebele project will not only develop Nigel but it impacts on the South African economy as a whole. With skills acquired in this project we aim to decrease skills shortages in the manufacturing sector and creating a platform for better employment opportunities for the learners. The project aims to uplift the Duduza community by equipping the students with extensive, high quality training that will that will ensure that they readily face the manufacturing employment pool..
Why do you decide to be the sponsor of this project?
Y.E.: In order to enhance critical skills and putting a helping hand in developing the Youth in previously disadvantaged communities to get better opportunities and a better life. We want to help grow the Duduza Community and help it utilise the talent it has to create more job opportunities and employment. This Project will bring a lot of excitement and workmanship between Alstom Ubunye and The community at large.
--> Learn more about Alstom’s presence in South Africa, click here.
