Johannesburg, 22 Jul 2014
Committed to empowering the youth of South Africa, customer experience innovators Webhelp SA joined forces with Columba Leadership Activating Youth 2.0, a values-based leadership programme, to engage with Grade 10 and 11 pupils at Fumana Comprehensive School, a low-income school based in Katlehong, south of Johannesburg.
"Our Corporate Social Investment Strategy is a strategic programme - not a one-day game," says Craig Gibson, CEO of Webhelp SA. "We will carry it with us as we journey and evolve our business in South Africa."
From 30 March to 5 April 2014, The Columba Academy hosted a group of Grade 10 pupils and educators from Fumana Comprehensive School, at Ngomo Lodge. Columba's belief is simple: young people already have the inner greatness and confidence to transform their own lives and the lives of those around them.
The participants went on a remarkable journey during the week and the power of their experience has been captured on video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVLXCSTFW9c#t=114
Webhelp SA has grabbed the opportunity to invest in South Africa's youth by partnering with Columba Academy to fund short Academy programmes that seek to cultivate leadership skills among young individuals.
Gibson identifies the lack of managerial skills as one of South Africa's biggest challenges and says: "We recognise the importance of the role our business can play in South Africa, especially where bridging the existing social divide is concerned."
When Webhelp SA first opened its doors in October 2013, it aspired to generate 1 000 new jobs within the first year of operating in Cape Town and Johannesburg. That number stands at over 750 to date.
By continuing to nurture its relationship with the Fumana Comprehensive School, Webhelp SA will not only benefit the community, but also the Columba Academy graduates and community members who are a part of Webhelp SA's dynamic future.
The programme intends to develop young people's abilities that will inspire them to transform, not only their own lives, but those of their school and communities.
Share