By Masilo Malakwane
GOLDEN GATE – After a year of study, hard work and training, 100 students with disability or special needs successfully graduated from the Cumlaude Institute.
The Institute through its partnership with accredited Food & Beverages Seta offered training to aspiring New Venture Creatives and food & beverage entrepreneurs by offering a theoretical component as well as practical experience.
The jubilant graduates were part of the group studying towards a learnership in Food and Beverage Service and Confectionery before being offered potential opportunities to develop their own businesses.
The CEO of Food and Beverages Seta, Nokuthula Silamulela, said: “because of the good relationship they have with Cumlaude Institute for learners with special needs and many of whom had not been successful in finding employment, we have been able to support and fund more than 140 learners since we stated and we’ve seen positive progress in terms of educational growth with this programme,” she said.
The Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Buti Mamela, was among the distinguished guests who attended the graduation ceremony at the Golden Gate Hotel. He said they wish to encourage these learners to pursue a career in entrepreneurship.
“This will aid the government to build more of such programmes that recognize potential in students at higher institutions,” Manamela said.
Bakoena ba Mopeli Principal Chief, Moremoholo Mopeli, said the royal house supports initiatives that prioritize youth.
“We should play our part to bring about change to the society we live in, hence we are proud of Tsolo Mopeli,” said Chief Mopeli.
Tsholo Mopeli, the CEO of Cumlaude Institute, emphasized their biggest passion for their learners.
“We want to include them in the landscape of education in the country because their special needs do not mean they are unable. They’ve always proved us wrong,”
For Thabang Mabesa of Bluegumbosch, this graduation is more than he could have imagined.
“This means so much. I’ve learnt a lot about food handling and storage. I think the experience will come in handy when I start my own business,” he said.
