The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI), a small project fund of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), donated computers and office equipment worth P69 328 to the Sedibeng Community Educational Centre, a non-profit making UCCSA Church project.
“The Sedibeng Community Educational Centre does not charge for training and therefore relies on donations from various organizations and individuals,” said Mitho Gilika, the Centre Coordinator.
Gilika said the donation included 6 computers, 2 printers, furniture, and funds for the training and setting up of Internet access for students to prepare them for integration into the work environment.
She stated that the centre opened its doors in 2001 as an Advise Centre but started training students in 2004. When it started, she said, it catered for vulnerable, out-of-school youths and offered them training in fashion design, sculpturing, flower arrangement and now computer literacy.
According to Gilika, the Centre has been able to partner with various organizations and institutions that include Gaborone Sun Hotel, Gaborone Technical College, Madirelo Training and Testing Centre, Construction Industry Trust Fund and the Auto Trades Technical Training College for the training and work attachment for the students to gain experience.
The center has a restaurant, which caters for members of the public, and this assists in raising some.
The Centre’s Accountant, Winnie Lesutswe, said that at the moment they have 41 students and are offering three courses.
“Unfortunately, training in sculpturing has been put on hold until funds are available,” she said.
