KNYSNA NEWS - The Vineyard Academy, in collaboration with the mayoral office, has established an agricultural learnership.

A group of 60 young individuals gathered in council's chambers on Monday 23 October, where they participated in a pre-assessment as part of the admission process.

This learnership focuses on both the Greater Knysna unemployed youth and young entrepreneurs. 

The objectives of this programme are critically interlinked and include youth development through access to skills and career development; supporting land reform; and enterprise development.

The learners will be taught about mixed farming methods, and plant and animal production. The completion of the qualification can enable a career path in farm management, entrepreneurial development or formation of co-ops.

Knysna mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies said, “I am delighted about the partnership and grateful that the Department of Agriculture has also come on board. 

"Due to my previous career as a teacher, I have always been passionate about youth development and education, a passion that has grown through my political career. 

"I believe that partnerships such as these give us the perfect opportunity to develop and grow our future leaders and build inclusive, innovative and inspired communities.”

The selected participants will undergo a training programme comprising a logical integration of national certificates, NQF2 and NQF4 over a period of 10 months. 

All learners will receive a monthly stipend of R1 800, which will be dependent on their class attendance.

The programme commences from the beginning of November. 

Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies (middle, in purple) with some of the learners taking part in the assessment process on Monday 23 October, in the municipal council chambers. Photo: Supplied

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