MEC unveils R40m youth skills facility in Wentworth
A newly-built youth centre in Wentworth, south of Durban, has been officially opened.
The R40 million facility will offer courses through eThekwini Technical Vocational Education and Training Centre.
Social Development MEC Nonhlanhla Khoza has urged the community to support it.
"We believe this institution will mentor a number of students, especially to give them a second chance in life. Because they will be receiving accredited skills here."
Local youth Sheradine King says she aspires to be a chef and has enrolled into the programme.
She's encouraging her peers to sign up for the many courses that are available at the centre.
"Before I was sitting at home with no skills in then the MEC gave us this opportunity to study and make something of ourselves. As us youth that is doing nothing, especially us who don't have matric we can have a skill then afterwards we can study further if we want."
King says becoming a Chef has been a lifelong dream for her.
"I love the kitchen and I want to improve as a chef. I see myself cooking on cruise ships as a head chef."
The centre was a Wentworth family's dream come true who dedicated the opening to their late father.
Khoza says the youth centre was the vision of the late Apostle Victor Glenn Smith who always dreamt of something great for Wentworth.
"Together as a family - they lived up to this dream and played a great part in the multi-million centre," she said.
Wife of the late Apostle, Elaine Smith was overwhelmed by the launch of the centre.
"I'm so happy that he left us a legacy that we now can see this manifestation of his vision and I'm so honoured to be part of this."
Daughter, Michelle Smith says her dad was actively involved in the community and its social issues such as drugs and crime.
"That was the main reason why they wanted the youth centre so these social ills can be alleviated and so fought for there to be an avenue for youth when they can have a place to come in a move away it."
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