EMPOWERING THE DISABLED YOUTH

QASA Work Readiness Programme

Unemployment is one of the major concerns in South African society today, with mobility impaired youths being some of the worst impacted groups.  To address this issue AYO partnered with the Quadpara Association of South Africa (QASA) and furnished the association with a brand new learning centre in Kwazulu Natal for the implementation of their Work Readiness Programme. The centre has already seen the “graduation” of 57 black quadriplegic and paraplegic youths aged 18-35 with 50 of them already placed in permanent employment and one starting his own business.

Meet Mohammed

Mo entered the QASA Work Readiness Programme with his characteristic eagerness and spunky “never backed down from any challenge” demeanour.  He was a “diamond in the rough”, according to his coaches, who blossomed into a sparkling jewel by the end of the programme. “Mo was determined to break the poverty cycle of his family and was focused on becoming a success. He asked lots of questions and was like a sponge, absorbing all the information that he could and then using the lessons to pave his own success path.” Receiving not one but several employment opportunities, Mo settled at Sanlam where he is proving to be an asset. He reiterates the immeasurable value of the QASA Work Readiness Programme in helping him transform his life from marginalised deficiency on the outskirts of society to being a skilled, productive and motivated employee who brings value to his employer, family and community.

Meet Nokulunga

Nokulunga arrived for at the QASA Learning Centre naturally nervous, yet exuding hope and positivity. She was a nurse prior to  a serious motor vehicle accident, which disastrously transformed her life leaving her in a wheel-chair.

Lunga, as she is affectionately known amongst her peers, is a caring, passionate communicator – a skill she has honed through her nursing career. She is super adaptable, smoothly navigating between working independently and being a valuable asset to her team. Her interpersonal skills and report writing abilities propelled her to one of the most promising rising stars of the Programme. Upon completing the QASA Work Readiness Programme, Lunga secured an opportunity consulting to the Cape Town Child Welfare Society, where she can continue the work of caring for others that she is deeply passionate about. Equipping these most marginalised and vulnerable youths with skills, confidence and opportunities for integration in mainstream employment is of particular importance to AYO and we will continue to nurture our relationship with QASA striving to assist many more of their members in the future.