All posts by Lauren Bruchhausen

We offer education and training to cognitively impaired children and youth.
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National Skills Authority present Sparrow FET College ‘Best TVET (Technical Vocational Education and Training) Placement Programme Silver Award’ for 2014-2016

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Sparrow FET College staff Melanie Malema (Sparrow FET College Operations Manager), Wellington Mpukuta (Training and Curriculum Development Manager) and Mary Webber (Sparrow FET College Client Liaison) receive award at the National Skills Conference.

Sparrow FET College were delighted to receive the prestigious award to recognise their work in vocational training of youth in South Africa. The award was announced during South Africa’s third National Skills Conference on 23rd March 2017. The conference was hosted  by the National Skills Authority (NSA) a department which falls under the Department for Higher Education and Training as part of a solution seeking mechanism to help address the current skills shortage needs in South Africa.

The title of the conference was ‘Skills development for an integrated and differentiated Post-School Education and Training system: Past, present and future.” The objective of the conference was to discuss and allow the different sectors including, private and government colleges, businesses partners and community based projects to provide input into the NSA commission for skills development in South Africa.

Key topics in the commission included:‘Turning every workplace into a training space’ and ‘Technical- vocational training development for the 21st century workplace’ with the aim to enhance the pathway of learners and artisans into the workplace. The conference was attended by over a thousand delegates and high profile speakers in the field of skills development including the Minister of Higher Education and Training, Dr B E Nzimande and the Deputy President – Hon C Ramaphosa.

“Let us ensure that the post-school system is aligned and geared to achieve the South African dream of total social and economic emancipation for all… skills development in South Africa must be aligned to the economic and political priorities of the country, namely the reduction of unemployment and poverty.” (Dr. B. Nzimande, Minister of Higher Education and Training)

Click here to watch Sparrow FET College being interviewed on Morning Live

“Our affiliation  with the NSA is crucial; their mandate is to conduct research, implement and influence policy making pertaining to skills shortage in South Africa. Sparrow FET College is guided by the above by implement relevant training to address the skills shortage amongst the youth of our country and support the vision of “Its cool to be a  21st Century Artisan” Melanie Malema, Sparrow FET College Operations Manager.

What role and initiatives do you think business should play in higher education in order to increase access to post school education? Please leave your comments below.

 

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A Professional Cookery Candidate at Sparrow FET College in 2014 moves to America to follow dream career in catering.

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Dudu Makgomba has come on a long way in the three years since she first stepped foot into Sparrow FET  (Further Educational Training) College back in 2014. After completing her Assistant Chef at NQF Level 2 skills programme including three months practical workplace experience at Rondebult Spar in Germiston, she has embarked on a successful and varied catering career. Dudu went on to work at OR Tambo airport for a company that supplies meals to passengers on the planes, she then worked as a private chef in Sandton and set up her own business called THICK D’s Bakery, where she baked cakes for celebratory events such as baby showers.  She has now accepted a once in a lifetime job opportunity to work as a chef in the kitchens of the 5* hotel and restaurant – Ocean H Hotel in the USA. Dudu has been offered a 12 month contract, with a great salary, all accommodation, expenses and flights included. Although she spoke about her nerves, as this is the first time out of the country and does not know anyone else, Dudu is excited for the amazing opportunity.

“It was my ambition to travel, so this is a dream come true!”

Despite being so driven and ambitious, Dudu was not always lucky in life and had to work hard to get to where she is today. Born and raised in Bushbuckridge, a town seven hours away from Johannesburg in Mpumalanga, South Africa, Dudu has come a long way from Johannesburg and now to America. Her mother was also a driven business women who was the first lady to have electricity in her home in Bushbuckridge. However it was her grandmother who sparked her love of cooking and taught her the core ingredient of cooking…. Patience.

“No one else in my family can bake; it is all about being patient.”

Dudu matriculated in 2006 and had completed an cooking course but was unable to find a job. She found out about Sparrow FET College through online research, where she read about the opportunity for a bursary in Assistant Chef.

“I had a great experience. It was at Sparrow where I learnt about pastry and baking, which inspired me to set up my own cake making business. What I like about Sparrow is that is gives a lot of people opportunities and financial support to make education possible. I thank Sparrow for the opportunity that you provided me.”

Sparrow wishes Dudu all the luck in the next chapter of her exciting career and will continue to support and train young people to gain skills and experience in various industries so if you would like to find out more about the opportunity to receive a fully funded bursary to study Professional Cookery (NQF Level 4) or Assistant Chef (NQF Level 2), then we want to hear from you.

admissions@sparrowschools.co.za / +2711 673 4410 or 4419

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Sparrow FET College encourages females to enter a male dominated industry, especially in the Automotive Repair and Maintenance industry

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Kagiso Confidence was brought up in a small village in Rustenburg called Moruleng. She was from a large family, the fourth of six children. Her mother worked at a hotel and her father was a truck driver. Although she came from a supportive, happy family, she recalled times of struggle in her childhood. Kagiso attended her local government school and enjoyed Maths and Science. She was interested in studying Engineering and initially started training at her local college in electrical engineering but had to stop her studies due to financial reasons. After six months of unemployment, Kaigso heard about the opportunity for free studies at Sparrow FET College through the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA), based in the Rustenburg branch. After applying to study at Sparrow FET College, Kagiso was accepted onto the Automotive Repair and Maintenance Programme.

Initially concerned by the male dominated course, Kagiso commented:“The course was challenging but great! I learnt so much at Sparrow FET College, including the basics of wearing a uniform, being professional and time management.”

After completing six months at the College, Kagiso went on to work at Volkswagen and is now halfway through her six month practical placement.

“I am working so hard and remaining focused – there is so much to learn.’

Kagiso would like to remain at the company to complete an apprenticeship.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity that I would never have had if it were not for the funding available to provide me with the education and stipends; it has helped me so much! I hope you continue change other people’s lives too. I would welcome the opportunity to meet you myself to thank you.”

Kagiso with her fellow students from Rustenburg (seventh person in the photo).

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“ I want to learn more about teaching methods and child development so I can go back to the community where I was brought up and share what I have learnt.”

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In July 2016, Nomsa Natacia Luthuli, a bright and young lady who grew up in Tsakane Township, located on the East Rand began a new chapter in her life. She signed up at the Sparrows FET (Further Educational Training) College to study Early Childhood Development (ECD).

Nomsa heard about the opportunity to study for free and gain invaluable practical workplace experience through a friend who worked at Sparrow and had asked Nomsa to support Sparrow by taking part in the Spinathon and 947 ‘Walk the Talk’ in aid of Sparrow Schools.

Nomsa had previously been running a catering business, which she stopped in November 2015 and although her love of cooking remains, she  decided to follow her lifelong interest in childhood development.

“Children express themselves differently where I am from and I want to learn more about teaching and child development so I can go back to the community where I was brought up and share what I have learnt.”

After completing six months of theory at Sparrow FET College, Nomsa started her work placement at Cubby House Preschool. This friendly preschool, is a new centre, which opened in January 2016 catering for children from the age of 2-6 years. Six weeks in she reflects on her experience, highlighting the importance of encouraging children to use their words and express themselves confidently.

“You have to choose your words and the way you say them so carefully, as it can really impact the child’s confidence and the way they express themselves.”

It was inspiring to watch Nomsa working with a 4 year old girl who has attended Cubby House since January 2016. The girl, who lives with her grandmother, did not speak any English and was very shy but since attending Cubby House and receiving 1-on-1 attention, her language development, gross motor skills and learning of colours, letters and numbers have improved dramatically.

The manager of Cubby House, Sharon Konstantinou spoke about how impressed she has been with Nomsa fitting into the preschool in such a short space of time:

“I don’t have to tell her what to do, she assesses a situation, uses her initiative and is always happy to step in.”

Although this is the first time that Sparrow’s FET candidate have been placed at Cubby House, Sparrow have previous connections with Cubby House’s sister organisation, Nic’s House, which supports children with special needs. Two students who completed their studies at Sparrow FET College have now been employed full time at Nic’s House.

Nomsa plans to start a weekend childcare business, as she believes there is a need with lots of parents working on the weekends and struggling to find good quality childcare. She hopes to go back to the community where she grew up and share the teaching methods that she has learnt to support the confidence and development of children from Tsakane Township.
‘A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.’ (Henry Adams)

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Certified Floorcovering Installers Association (CFI) Announces International Partnership with The South African Flooring Industry Training Association (FiTA)

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Arrangement Solidifies CFI’s Footing in South Africa

February 22, 2017 – Dallas, TX –Today Robert Varden, Vice President, CFI, announced a partnership with South African based FiTA to bring ongoing floor covering installation training classes and certification to professionals throughout the country and beyond.

Nearly 10 years ago, CFI began working with Belgotex Floorcoverings, a carpet manufacturer based in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa to help establish a formal training program and institute qualification guidelines for professional installers.

“At the time we entered this market there were no set standards and no rules governing flooring installation in the country,” Said Varden. “The lack of qualified installers in the flooring industry is a global issue. In 2013, The South African Flooring Industry Training Association was formed to address the installation crisis facing the flooring industry. Great strides have been made working with both trade and government officials to clearly define necessary schooling and hands on training requirements for installation professionals that will be overseen by the government and will be required to practice the trade.”

CFI, together with FITA South Africa, will continue to facilitate installation training and accreditation through apprenticeship programs for entry level flooring installers who undergo comprehensive hands-on and classroom training, ‘Prior Learning’ accreditation will be made available for installers who are already working and have experience.

South Africa represents a population of nearly 53 million people. “This arrangement benefits everyone in the field with set standards and guidelines that will be the same across the board,” Varden stated.

To date, over 150 graduates have completed the 12-month training program and apprenticeship and now hold a National Certificate Installation of Floor Coverings. This recognition is exclusively issued by the South African Government appointed Construction Education Training Authority, who facilitates and funds skill development in the construction sector. Through an additional regional partner, Belgotex Floorcoverings, CFI and FiTA have entered an arrangement with local youth endowment organizations to bring installation training to school children in grades 6th to 10th. Upon completion, these students will have a floor laying skill which will enable them to find a job as an entry level flooring installer upon graduation.

“Our partnership with the South African Flooring Industry Training Association is yet another step forward in achieving our goals of continuing to lead the way in installation training, increasing our global footprint and helping our industry both domestically and internationally keep pace with the ever changing business landscape,” Varden said in closing.

For more information on CFI and their programs both domestically and internationally please visit the CFI website at  http://www.cfiinstallers.org. You may also call 816-231-4646.

(ABOUT CFI:

The International Certified Floorcovering Installers Association, Inc. (CFI) is a division of the WFCA that is devoted to installation training and certification through a team of dedicated trainers who share their experience and knowledge to help others help themselves. The enthusiasm for doing this continues to grow.

CFI provides educational resources for the industry through inspection, installation, estimating, product knowledge, and patterned and woven carpet, hardwood, ceramic, laminate and resilient flooring training. CFI provides teams of skilled craftsmen to assist when called upon for installations by dealers and manufacturers.’)

 

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“Sparrow Foundation School helped my son so much, that he hates the weekend and all he says is, “I want to go to school today.”

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I don’t think we have ever seen anyone with such a big smile,  early on Monday mornings,  like the smile on little Siyabonga Nkutha’s mom, Nozizwe’s face.

Sparrow Foundation School welcomed Siyanbonga to Grade 1 at the end of January, a few weeks after the rest of the learners had started the new academic school year

As a shy boy with autism, Siyanbonga had not been able to find a school that could support his special needs. But, one month in, we have all been surprised and delighted by how well he has settled into his new school.

“My son now hates the weekend, he always says  “I want to go to school today” but I have to explain to him that school is closed on weekends.

“At first Siyabonga used to cry as I left him to go to school, he was so anxious! However, a week later, his behaviour changed! He now plays with other children and tells me how much he loves to go to his beautiful school,” explains Nozizwe.

Siyabonga was referred to Sparrow Foundation School through a play therapy clinic in Sophiatown, where he was diagnosed with autism.  He previously attended a local school, which specialised in supporting children with ADHD but was not given the attention that he needed. Nozizwe explained how her son was often not in the classroom, as he was teased for being different and could not cope in a mainstream school.

“We didn’t understand what was wrong with him and I had no idea what autism was.” Nozizwe told us that she found the Autism South Africa website extremely useful in providing her with information on autism. Autism, as defined by Autism South Africa (A;SA) is:

…a developmental disability… people with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may communicate, interact, behave, and learn in ways that are different from most other people. The learning, thinking, and problem-solving abilities of people with ASD can range from gifted to severely impaired.

Still a relatively unknown disability, Autism makes it difficult for parents, schools and communities to support children with special learning and social needs. However there is a lot of support available. 

Sparrow Schools, specialises in, and provides a safe and friendly environment for children with learning disabilities to attend school. The small classroom size and the learner support unit (LSU), which supports the child holistically, can provide additional assistance to help with remedial educational needs.

If you would like to find out more about your child attending Sparrow Foundation School, please call +27 11 482 3520.

Feed a child

Donate R60.00 to Feed-A-Child this Lent

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Remember the last time you were VERY hungry? Imagine you are a small child who has left home at 5am to attend the closest remedial school in the area, which requires a 2 hour commute… Would you manage, sitting in a classroom and trying to learn important lessons such as literacy, numeracy and science. Having not eaten since the night before and won’t be eating again until later that evening?

Unfortunately this is a reality for some of the children at Sparrow Schools. Many children come from underprivileged backgrounds, care homes or child headed households.

Meet Dominique…

Dominique is a grade four learner at Sparrow Foundation School who is autistic and has ADHD. She travels over fifty kilometers alone from Tokoza to get to school and back home. Coming to school hungry, which is a problem, as she is already tired at school,  she cannot take her medication on an empty tummy…

Sparrow Schools has started the ‘Feed a child’ campaign. Helping children, like Dominique, is easily done, by donating food to Sparrow Schools feeding scheme or donating as little as R60.00 per month to feed a child and/or buy a lunch box.

Buying food in bulk keeps costs down, however still providing a variety of nutritious meals. Your contribution goes towards purchasing the following ingredients: Potatoes, Pasta, Pasta sauce, Maize Meal, Beans, Mince, Rice, Mixed Vegetables, Bread, Peanut Butter, cans of Tomatoes /Onions /Tuna, Brown Onion Soup.

Sparrow Schools ‘Feed A Child’ Lent Campaign will run from Wednesday, March 1st to Easter Sunday, 16th April 2017. 

DONATE TO FEED-A-CHILD

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are interested in donating, please email sparrow@mweb.co.za for the Feed-A-Child Form.

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“This job is awesome!”

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These were the words that Melanie Joseph, a recent graduate from Sparrows FET College said as I asked her how she was finding her new position at the Sparrow Foundation School.

“It is challenging but exciting, and every day is completely different!

It is hard to believe that this young, confident lady had previously been unemployed for over two years, as she spoke so passionately about her current work situation.

Melanie heard about the opportunity to study for free from her sister in law and applied straight away. After passing the assessment in August 2015, Melanie was accepted onto the End User IT Programme in November 2015. In Melanie’s class, 17 of the 26 students had a physical disability, which ranged from students in a wheelchair, to students who had hearing and speech impairments. This is what made the experience for Melanie so unique:

“We were like a family… I helped the other students with disabilities but by the end of the course we were all helping each other!”

Melanie and her cohort spent six months from November 2015 to May 2016 at Sparrow FET College learning about different Computer programmes ranging from Word, Excel and Powerpoint. The second part of the course, the students spent their time in a work environment to gain practical experience in the office and put to practice everything that they learnt. Melanie was put forward by the facilitator, Mr Banda for the role as HR assistant and receptionist at Sparrow School’s Head Office, based in Melville. This proved to be a challenging role, working alongside Sparrow’s HR Manager who has the demanding job of dealing with over 100 staff in the organisation.

“Romela, my mentor, taught me so much! It was also a great experience to work alongside Jackie Gallagher, the founder of the organisation.”

After continuing to work hard and support the staff at head office, Melanie was promoted to a new position based at the Sparrow Foundation School in December 2016. Her new role involves supporting the Principal of the Foundation school, the teachers and dealing with parents of the children at the remedial school.

The other students from Melanie’s course are also excelling. Read Africa’s story here.

“They are all working at their placements, which have been extended or they have gone onto further studying with stipends. Sparrow FET has opened the door to opportunities for all of us! I would recommend Sparrow FET to anyone!”

Sparrow FET College are currently looking for disabled, learners from rural areas and Coloured or Indian learners to attend the college. Sparrow FET supports free education by providing stipends to students to study. We promote employment in South Africa by linking students to the workplace. Our job coaches and Learner Support Unit at Sparrow, provide holistic assistance to students, as we are passionate about tackling youth unemployment and promoting skills development.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 35, have passed Grade 12 (Grade 9 for Installation of Floor Coverings),you may qualify for FULLY funded learnership.The college provides SETA-accredited full qualification and skills programmes that are rated between NQF Levels 2 and 5.

Automotive Repair & Maintenance NQF 2

Assistant Chef NQF 2

Business Administration NQF 2

Early Childhood Development NQF 4

End-User Computing NQF 3

Installation of Floor Coverings NQF 2

Professional Cookery NQF 4

Sports Coaching NQF 4

Fluid Power Hose Assembly NQF 2 or 3 (Skills Program)

Contact us today:

Tel: +2711 673 4410 /19  Email: academics@sparrowschools.co.za

We are still reaching out to companies to accommodate our learners for their work experience placements. All students have stipends, so there is no requirement for the company to pay a salary. For further information, contact marywebber@sparrowschools.co.za

 

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The drive to integrate technology at Sparrow Schools

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On the 7th of February, Sparrow’s Grade 6 class had a special visit from a company called Poynting Direct which specialises in boosting antennas and wireless technologies in South Africa. Ivy Matlawa and Reabetswe Makwela brightened up the Tuesday morning Science class by dropping off the first tablet devices for the school. The faces of the children and Mr Peterson lit up as the tablets were handed out to the class.

With the goal of supporting the integration of technology into the classrooms, the donation of these tablets came at a perfect time for the school. When Mr Peterson (Science teacher at Sparrow Schools) returned from London after the Teacher Exchange Programme between Dulwich Prep London and Sparrow Schools, he was keen to incorporate technology in his classrooms. Mr Peterson witnessed the benefits of using technology to support the education of pupils at Dulwich Prep London, and wanted the same of his class in Johannesburg.

Thank you again Poynting Direct for your generous donation and for choosing Sparrow Schools for your CSI project.

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How a young person goes from staying at home for two years, to landing an opportunity to fix cars at Ford & Mazda?

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‘After I finished my Matric in 2013, I stayed at home for two years, as I could not afford to go to University… I almost gave up.’

Finishing school with no route into further education or employment, Yelulani’s story is a common one for many young people in South Africa today. However Yelulani was able to turn his life around after he found out about an opportunity that seemed too good to be true — a fully funded learnership to study Automotive Repair & Maintenance (NQF 2) at Sparrow FET College. The bright young Automotive Repair and Maintenance student completed his programme in June 2016 and we were delighted to catch up with Yelulani to see how he was getting on…

Yelulani has been accepted by Ford & Mazda in Germiston into their comprehensive four-year apprenticeship program. This is a fantastic opportunity to continue learning about automotive repairs and mechanics. His job includes checking different car’s brakes to make sure they are safe, and replacing parts that cannot be fixed.

So how does a young person go from staying at home for two years, to landing an opportunity to fix cars at Ford & Mazda?

After passing the entrance exams at Sparrow FET, Yelulani started Automotive Repair and Maintenance programme in July 2015. The course was split into two sections:

 

  • Lectures and theory at the FET College in Sophiatown.

 

According to Yelulani:

Mr Errol taught me a lot! He was passionate about what he was teaching but he also believed in us and pushed us to go beyond what we thought we could do.

 

  • 6 month work experience, where Yelulani gained practical experience at Mercedes Benz M2 Cargo.

 

When Yelulani started his work experience placement, the company was surprised by how much he knew:

They expected to teach me, but I already knew from my education at Sparrow FET; they told me ‘we need more people like you who are trained already’.

The Sparrow FET College does not just teach students about their programme, but also prepares young adults for the working environment:

They taught us about discipline, which was important, as many of us had not worked or studied for several years. This included the importance of arriving early, not being absent and how to behave in the workplace.

Yelulani has moved out of his family home in Pretoria; enjoying his independence and living on his own with the money he earns. He hopes to stay on at Ford after his apprenticeship has finished, and he will visit Sparrow soon with his younger brother who will be finishing school at the end of this year.

What advice would you give to someone who has just got their Matric results and does not know what to do?

I wanted to go to University but I had no money… At college I gained more practical experience than some of the Universities I was looking at, which has helped me get onto the apprenticeship. Wearing the gown on my graduation was such a dream come true and I thank Sparrow for the opportunity to turn my life around.