ElectricAid Project of the Month

Life chances in Orange Farm

St. Charles lwanga Skills Training Centre was built in 1994 in response to the desperate needs of the young people of Orange Farm. Some of the skills delivered are Pitman computer courses, sewing and designing, HIV/AIDS home based care, carpentry, home economics, life, literacy skills and welding. All these skills are taught with a view to people becoming employed or self-employed.

The next step for the centre was to promote employment. At this stage the staff of the centre are skilled in spotting talented students who have the potential, maturity and vision to run their own micro business. Having completed the course the candidates are given basic equipment and seed money. Thus, they commence their enterprises.

In 2006 ElectricAid received an application for funding to refurbish their welding workshop, which was badly in need of repairs and has had a number of break-ins over the years. They needed to erect a strong room for the equipment as it all had to be taken daily to and from the more secure carpentry workshop.

Renovating the welding workshop has enabled a class of 20 students to work in comfort, which is an increase of 10 students per class. The increase is most welcome, as the welding course is very popular and 25 suitable candidates had to be turned away in 2005. In September 2006 ElectricAid approved the funding of €9,665.

Sr Josepha English of the Centre said, "The students are extremely proud of their workmanship and are very quick to show it off when a visitor calls. We are deeply grateful for your interest and trust in us."

In 2007 the new welding workshop opened with 20 students attending. The students are taught the skills for burglar proofing, car ports and welding articles such as tables, chairs, potholders, candle sticks, bins and barbeque grills.

ElectricAid Monthly Draw Winner

ElectricAid's lucky winner of the month is Rachel Mowlds, ESB Networks, Broomhill Road. The prize for this month is a €500 Shopping Voucher that was kindly donated by ESBI.

ElectricAid