On Tuesday, the Gauteng Department of Social Development officially launched Believers Care Society Centre of Excellence, and also awarded certificates of completion to beneficiaries.

The Centre of Excellence which is located in Turffontein, offers services that aid in skills development, entrepreneurship, and social work services to young people including the community around the Johannesburg region.

Gaynor Van Wyk was one of trainees who received a certificate for completing a course in project management. Before joining the centre in 2018, the then 34 year old had just started running her business, Gaynors Construction Services. Despite being able to employ 40 part-time employees, Van Wyk experienced personal and professional challenges in her business.

Before she received training in project management, she said she lacked the confidence to effectively run her business as she did not have a lot of knowledge on how to manage a business in the construction industry. These challenges motivated Van Wyk to join a programme at the Centre of Excellence, to help her run her business better.
After completing the programme Van Wyk’s communication and decision-making skills improved significantly. She credits the teachers at the centre for growing her confidence which has been reflected in how she carries herself and how she conducts her business. 

Van Wyk’s business has expanded in the last few years and has recently been awarded three tenders. “I am on top of my game and I’m not scared to stand up for myself”, expressed Van Wyk.

“I hope to employ more young people, especially women. I also want to encourage the youth to make use of the services offered at Centres of Excellence as they help to instil skills and offer referrals for unemployed youth. Also want to encourage young people to persevere and to keep following their dreams”.