Congratulations to the Ubuntu Class Graduates of 2016!

On Friday, the 24th of June 2016, another wonderful group of women obtained their certificates from Ubuntu Touch, having successfully completed their training to become SETA-accredited massage therapists.

It was a wonderful day, with many inspiring speeches from the founder and developer, Ian Macfarlane, his wife, Dawn, Mary-Ann Shearer (one of the practitioners working with the women), sponsors from BPeSA, CoCT and Capita, Councillor Mata (from the Nomzamo, Strand township) Project endorser Prince Buthelezi, and some of the other trainers who had worked with the women towards this day.

The women were rightfully very proud of what they had achieved over the past weeks, each one bursting with excitement and energy. Each had taken great care and pride in getting ready for that day and they all looked absolutely stunning as they accepted their certificates.

The Project, which was established in December 2012, has so far helped over 40 women from disadvantages areas of South Africa break free from unhealthy lifestyles, self doubt and unemployment – which unfortunately is still a pressing issue.

Unemployment rates continue to rise in South Africa, with official numbers at 27,3% but probably much higher – especially youth unemployment, which is estimated to be around 50%.

Ubuntu Touch is actively working against this, hoping to bring 1000 youths out of poverty over the next 10 years by training them in wellness services and promote their role within society. Ubuntu Touch, which solely works with women from disadvantaged areas, sees women as the ambassadors to their homes and society as a whole and therefore believes that change must come from them; from their confidence, awareness and education. We aim to be Africa’s first financially sustainable wellness-focused upliftment education model for the poor while increasing social wellness.

All of the women from the 2016 graduation class – which was made up of a group of 10 women from the Nomzamo township and one from IY, Hout Bay – now embody and exemplify these qualities: Individual health, community awareness, advocating sustainable lifestyles, promoting a broader social resilience, coherence and disease management.

We have no doubts all of them will continue to do great things, inspire others, and lead the best life for themselves. All of the past graduates of Ubuntu Touch from 2013 and 2014 are currently in full-time or part-time employment. We wish similar success on the Nomzamo 2015 and 2016 graduates, in the spirit of ubuntu...

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