Salesian Annual Report 2018

LEARN TO LIVE
SCHOOL OF SKILLS
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As a Special School of Skills, this institution addresses the educational
and psycho-social plight of youngsters who have a background of broken
schooling and who come from areas where socio-economic conditions
provide no way forward.
The emphasis at the school is firstly on providing a sense of home-from-home,
a therapeutic environment where the learners’ emotional and physical safety are
prioritised. This is achieved through the caring and supportive ethos embodied
by the teachers. It is the focus of the teaching staff to discover, affirm and develop
these talents. In doing so, our admiration for the strength and resilience of these
young souls constantly grows.
The second priority is to provide training in skills that will give these young
people a viable economic future. The four workshops, namely Hair Dressing,
Hospitality, Electricity and Woodwork, have highly qualified Instructors whose
resourcefulness, despite inadequate facilities, says much of their commitment to
the mission of Don Bosco.
Life skills forms an essential part of preparing the youngsters for the world of work. As part of this process, the
importance of remaining current with the realities and trends of the workplace is recognised. Weekend and holiday job
placements through the professional network of their instructors have helped further acclimatise these youngsters to the
world of work. The positive effect on their self-confidence is very pleasing to observe.
The learners are between 14 and 18 years of age and leave us after the four-year skills training programme. The school
is registered with the Department of Education, a further generous Donor, under whose jurisdiction it falls in terms of
education law, curriculum and assessment requirements. While small classes of 20 or less may be ideal, it is not always
possible due to the high demand and waiting list for admission to the school. However, places are set aside for youngsters
at extreme risk who require emergency placement by the Courts or by Social Workers. In this way, we ensure that our doors
are always open to those who may truly be designated as marginalised and vulnerable.
Key facts, figures and highlights
Thanks to our generous donors during 2018, more than 220 learners were provided with a hot breakfast, sandwiches at
teatime and a hot meal at lunchtime. For many, this was their only food for the day. A total of 54 044 such meals were
served, as follows:
60
...
Breakfasts
benefited from transport assistance, with a
transport subsidy amounting to over ...
Sports Day
Sandwiches
for tea
Hot lunches
Highlights of the year 2018 included a Sports Day in February at
Green Point Stadium, which rang out with the shrieks of zealous
supporters of each team.
SALESIAN INSTITUTE YOUTH PROJECTS ANNUAL REPORT 2018
Teaching hospitality skills
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