INTRODUCTION
The forgotten class are those lives ravaged by crime, drug/alcohol addiction and gangsterism. They have lost everything including those closest to them.
Through their own choices and many times through the choices of others they have been left to fend for themselves in the streets - HELPLESS. HOMELESS.
By garnishing their inner strength and finding their Faith they have taken steps to improve their lives and have been accepted into one of the few programs available to them.
These programs excel at providing not only food and shelter but psychological and occupational therapy and medical treatment.
These programs often provide a form of employment that assists the once homeless to begin afresh.
BUT the sustainability of these programs often relies on funding from the private sector and grants from the Government both of which continue to become more challenging as the economic climate worsens across all industries.
Sun Smart Solar is just a small business, but has taken the small step to try assist these programs by creating the Sun Smart Solar GROWTH ACADEMY.
The Growth Academy aims to provide assistance to a few candidates in the final steps to dignity and independence.
GROWTH ACADEMY PROGRAM
1. UPSKILL
Sun Smart Solar continues to grow steadily and we are able to provide a platform where we go beyond the theory and minimal practical work found in the multitude of solar courses being offered.
The Growth Academy will offer physical on-site training and a PAID work experience in the sustainable energy sector for a full 3 months.
Our goal is to employ ALL candidates that come through the Growth Academy at Sun Smart Solar after they have spent their work experience with us.
We cannot foresee the future but if we cannot take any more new full time employees we will work hard to ensure they are able to find work at other solar companies in the renewable energy sector.
We will also encourage candidates to attend the Alpha Course which is a 11 week program introducing the basics of the Christian faith and is designed to offer attendees the meaning of life through the words of the Christian Gospel.
2. UPLIFT
Being able to put on a work uniform, pick up their own tools and meet their fellow colleagues each morning is what we hope will provide some mental healing through being accepted into the Sun Smart Solar Family.
The Growth Academy aims to provide the skills necessary to equip candidates with the basic skills and work experience to become a solar technician and we hope this provides further opportunities for candidates to grow and achieve success.
Being able to find a long term job opportunity provides that necessary boost for the selected candidates to leave their respective outreach program and begin the goal to become an independent human being.
Not a nuisance but an independent human being with dignity and self worth.
3. INSPIRE
The biggest worry of any individual is to make ends meet, provide a roof over their heads and to establish a sense of self worth.
We hope our Academy can assist in their journey by providing opportunities to candidates that are deemed ready to leave their outreach programs and to help them take those steps to become independent, valuable members of society.
This can only provide inspiration to others that are currently in a state of homelessness and hopelessness.
HOW IT WORKS
This is done half day as we want a slow and steady approach. We also want candidates to have time to begin reading material and watching helpful videos which will assist their education of the solar industry.
Week 2 - 11
Full time work experience with selected days to attend official courses that the brands and distributors offer each month.
Candidates will work at every single level that a solar installation entails from panel installations to inverter and battery installs.
Candidates will also be encouraged to attend the Alpha Course that takes place on a Wednesday evening from 7-9pm and is another opportunity for candidates to meet new friends and perhaps through God's Grace find or renew their Faith.
Throughout these weeks we will provide literature and easy to follow study material to continually assist candidates to learn and improve their knowledge.
This is assessment week where we would provide candidates with various practical exercises and through this build their own confidence by achieving a goal set 3 months prior.
Through this week we would hope to be able to then offer full time employment at Sun Smart Solar.
OUR PLEDGE - Sun Smart Solar
Our pledge to the program is to pay R3,000 - R5,000 of every package booked on our site for the entire 2024 which we believe could raise a monumental R500,000 and provide 30 - 50 candidates a new chance at life.
Whilst this is a small step, we hope that this program is a spark for other trade industries to do the same.
Whilst education is a massive problem, this country needs more skilled, hands-on labour, we cannot build a new South Africa without the skills needed to put that foundation in, wire those electrics or plumb those pipes.
If our governments policies do not prioritise Education then let the private sector stand up and up-skill the nation.
Imagine 1000 new tradesmen or women in 2024.
Imagine 10000 by the end of 2025? Is this possible?
YES it is, if you join us and get the Growth Academy template implemented at your company or create your own, even ONE new person upskilled and employed at your company in 2024 will make a HUGE impact.
Join our journey!