The Strategic Fuel Fund has made it possible for the Learn to Live School of Skills of Salesian Institute Youth Projects (SIYP) to reveal a new upgraded Woodwork Skills Centre. A one-year funding agreement enabled SIYP to expand the workshop facility and equip it with new tools.
“The objective is to build capacity in both students and facilitator through an improved learning space which best supports their needs,” said the Strategic Fuel Fund in a statement.
The Learn to Live School of Skills serves around 240 youth from at-risk backgrounds in and around Cape Town who are no longer functional in mainstream schooling. Here they have the opportunity to gain education and vocational skills training over a 4-year programme.
The Learn to Live School is an independent school of skills and follows the Western Cape Department’s curriculum for such schools. The learners, aged 14-18, receive basic education and training in a safe and therapeutic environment with academic subjects through a project-based learning methodology. There are four vocational workshops to choose from: hairdressing, hospitality, electrical and woodwork.
The unveiling of the Woodwork Skills Centre took place on April 5, with senior officials from the Strategic Fuel Fund and SIYP attending the function, including Fr Francois Dufour and Dladlakazi Ntloko (pictured).
“This grant was an incredible opportunity to upgrade the woodwork workshop and to increase the potential of our programme by giving our learners a space to be proud of as well as a space to nurture and grow their skills,” said Tony Austen, principal of the Learn to Live School of Skills.
For more information on the programmes at SIYP see www.salesianyouth.org
- Neocatechumenal Way visits Cardinal Brislin - May 6, 2026
- Mass Readings: 10 May – 17 May, 2026 - May 5, 2026
- A Change of Culture Needed: IMBISA Workshop on Disability - May 4, 2026
