Active communities network South Africa makes empowerment a way of life

Active Communities Network South Africa (ACN SA) was established in 2011 as a locally registered partner organisation to Active Communities Network (ACN UK). Its vision is to strengthen resilience, empower youth and develop stable and cohesive communities across South Africa. To date, more than 240 individuals have completed life-building and accredited qualifications and over 285 have completed personal and social development qualifications.

ACN SA’s purpose is to identify areas of need, implement ways to address those needs and monitor the ongoing success of the programmes to ensure their sustainability. Part the the sustainability, is its ongoing partnership with eta College, a private, accredited sport and fitness college based in Cape Town which provides accredited skills programmes.

One of these upcoming programmes is the Momentum funded Golf Skills Programme. The programme includes the accredited training with eta College and youth empowerment training with ACN SA. The programme has been designed to equip students with workplace communication, organisational and administrative skills. They are taught how to plan and practice coaching sessions while learning about, and engaging in, various practical sports skills.

Nicole Jennings, ACN SA project manager, said, “The first cohort of the Momentum funded golf skills programme was a huge success. It brought organisations together for the common cause of sport for development through education and training. All partners continue to support the learners on their journey to becoming community change agents and role models for youth. I have no doubt that this second cohort will accomplish great things.”

Head of Corporate Social Investment, Nkosinathi Mahlangu, explained the rationale for their involvement: “Golf is a sport which is extremely popular amongst our customer base. We also have an obligation to grow the game amongst communities who would normally have no access to the game.

Through the ACN SA/ Momentum Golf Development Programme we have been able to upskill 30 young volunteers with life skills training and basic golf coaching skills. Today they are active in a number of communities, which previously had no access to the game of golf. This programme has been so successful for Momentum that a further 30 coaches will be identified and upskilled in 2017.”

This partnership with eta College, furthermore enabled the recent launch of the ACN SA Western Cape programme at the Hazeldene Primary School in Mitchells Plain, which was attended by 15 candidates from the Western Cape.

One of the many successes evident in the programmes implemented by ACN SA, is the culture of mentorship seen in candidates that have graduated. Most recently, a graduate from the National Diploma in Club Professional Golfing started mentoring candidates for the programmes that are now implemented across the country.

To get involved, call 021 671 3054.