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Softline VIP continues to invest in the lives of underprivileged learners


Johannesburg, 20 Aug 2012

Softline VIP continues to invest in the lives of underprivileged learners through its Life and Business Skills Programme. The programme was launched in 2011 aimed at equipping Grade 10 to 12 learners from disadvantaged backgrounds with essential life and business skills, which will aid them in their task of finding work once they matriculate.

This year, the programme impacted 29 learners from Louis Botha Children's Home and a High School in Mamelodi, more than double last year's number, including 14 Grade 10 learners and 15 Grade 11 learners who attended the programme last year. "It was wonderful to see all their faces again a year later and they were clearly excited to be back this year," says internal trainer and industrial psychologist at Softline VIP, Ingrid Theunissen. These 15 Grade 11 learners will complete the programme in Grade 12.

The programme is run during the June/July school holidays and is divided into three distinct sections designed to span from Grade 10 to 12. The curriculum progressively increases the learners' overview and background of basic life and business skills, providing them with much-needed insight into the world of business.

The Grade 10 course focuses on developing the learners' life skills and enhancing their self-development. The course includes skills development in MS Word and Excel, telephone skills, as well as gaining insight into their personality styles. The Grade 11 course focuses on improving their organisational skills and includes an introduction to the payroll environment, gaining insight into different careers, learning to do a presentation, time management skills and mastering their memory, as well as Excel.

In 2013, the final stage of the programme will be rolled out with the inclusion of a Grade 12 class. The curriculum for Grade 12 learners will see the group undergoing VIP payroll system training, which is further enhanced by English business writing. "We walk them through the 'how' of compiling an effective CV and conducting a job interview. It also presents the learners with advanced Excel and MS Word skills," says Theunissen.

The team working on the VIP Cares Life and Business Skills Programme comprises Ingrid Theunissen, Christie Leisegang, Madelein Botha, Christine Schoeman, Tania Shedden, Chantal Butner and Anette Viljoen, with the assistance of Tumi Matima and Bronwyn van Wyk. "As of 2013, all three grades will be trained simultaneously and it is our belief that this programme will continue to uplift and develop underprivileged learners in our community and give them a brighter future," concludes Theunissen.

For more information, e-mail ingridt@vippayroll.co.za.

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Softline VIP

Softline VIP is a leading supplier of payroll and human resource management solutions in South Africa, Namibia and Botswana. Coupled with an extensive service offering, Softline VIP is the only payroll and HR solution geared to meet the challenges of the modern payroll office. The VIP products are synonymous with ease-of-use, stability and reliability, with the flexibility to cater to the unique needs of every client. VIP promises long-term sustainability over and above legislative compliance. VIP understands the human resources and payroll environment and offers the client peace of mind by providing a total solution.

Softline VIP achieved an overall fourth place in the top 10 for medium-sized businesses in the Deloitte Best Company to Work For Survey 2009 and a second place in the industry category "business and professional services". Softline VIP also emerged one of 48 participants out of an overall 98 to score above the standard of excellence threshold of more than 75%.

Softline VIP products include:

VIP Premier - Softline VIP also supplies leading technology to service large and corporate clients. VIP Premier is geared towards increasing the functionality of payroll systems and provides an uncomplicated solution for medium-sized to large organisations. One of the key features of this product is that it is quick to implement in comparison to similar solutions. Meeting the needs of any payroll office and supplying the most suitable solution is important for Softline VIP as it strives to ensure practical solutions for all users. Its products are easy to use and reliable, and the information produced is accurate and complies with all statutory requirements.

VIP Classic - VIP Classic is the perfect solution for clients with bigger operations than the one-man business. VIP Classic provides the same flexibility as larger systems but is aimed at the small to medium-sized business sector. This software offers a total solution to users.

VIP Essentials - VIP Essentials is geared to small businesses and contains the same ease-of-use and stability of all VIP's products. VIP Essentials is an affordable product, making it an ideal solution for the small business paying less than 30 employees.

Softline has a solid track record of profitability and cash generation. The group delivers quality accounting, payroll and CRM software solutions that improve the efficiencies of businesses around the world.

Softline

Softline is a leading provider of business software and related services. Founded in 1988 by Ivan Epstein, Alan Osrin and Steven Cohen, Softline was established during the formative years of the business software industry. While Softline's heritage is in the SME market, the group also offers expertise and solutions that meet the needs of specific industries and larger organisations. In 2003, Softline was acquired by The Sage Group, a FTSE 100 company. Softline has a solid track record offering customers local expertise backed by the global Sage brand. The group delivers quality software solutions to make customers' business lives easier.

The Sage Group

The Sage Group is a leading global supplier of business management software and related products and services, principally for small to medium-sized enterprises. Formed in 1981, Sage was floated on the London Stock Exchange in 1989. Sage has 6.3 million customers and 13 600 employees worldwide. It operates in over 24 countries covering the UK, Europe, North America, South Africa, Australia, India and China. For further information, please visit www.sage.com.

Editorial contacts

Deidre Beylis
Watt Communications
(011) 425 6290
Deidre@wattcommunications.co.za