People Upliftment Programme (POPUP)

Lack of prior work experience can be one of the reasons most people can’t get a job. So a group of people came together to start a skills training organisation called People Upliftment Programmes (POPUP).

The organisation offers young people who have at least Grade 9 an opportunity to apply for skills training programmes which range from brick laying, home based care among others. Once these skills sets are obtained, one is enable to apply for employment.

These learning opportunities are called learnerships and are a gateway to gaining that much-needed work experience.

“Learnerships an opportunity to gain such experience without any cost to the host employer,” explained the organisation, adding that thousands of young people have taken up these opportunities.

The organisation described it approach as holistic and it said it aims to uplift the lives of young people in under-privileged communities thereby ensuring that all the needs of individuals are addressed – mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

POPUP renders services to people living in these under-privileged communities in Pretoria, Gqeberha, Krugersdorp, and Bloemfontein.

Currently stipends for the learnships are not available as funding is currently lacking.

According to the organisation, an assessment fee of R50 is payable before an assessment test is conducted. An enrolment fee of only R100 (minimum) is payable for registration which also includes a learner bridging programme through AET, Personal Growth Programme and Life Skills (PGP) and for the learners first skills programme.

“Any skills programmes that are further pursued will cost R100 per skills programme. The duration of the skills programmes are between 2 and 24 weeks,” explained the organisation.

Editor’s note:

I like it when we have organisations like POPUP who are all about empowering young people through skills training programmes. The organisation is addressing a skills challenge facing many South Africans.

Description:

People Upliftment Programmes (POPUP) is dedicated at helping young realise their dreams through skills training programmes like learnerships.

Editor: Thato Mahlangu

Project manager: Ryan Hendry