Byline: Sandile Hlayisi

Last Monday, more than 600 individuals celebrated their graduation from the Tools for Life skills development program, facilitated by the Scientology Volunteer Ministers at Castle Kyalami. This free program aims to empower communities, equipping participants with essential life skills to foster sustainable livelihoods.

The graduates underwent comprehensive training in a diverse range of life improvement skills, including conflict resolution, poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, overcoming learning barriers, enhancing literacy, effective communication, business ethics, self-confidence building, goal achievement, successful public relations, financial ethics, and tackling drug abuse. Armed with these tools, they are now better prepared to confront the prevailing challenges facing their communities.

“This soft skills development initiative is a voluntary service to the community. Over the last five years, we have successfully graduated more than 25,000 individuals, many of whom have gone on to establish successful farms, businesses, enhanced employment opportunities, improved education quality, and more. Their achievements underscore the efficacy of these simple yet powerful skills,” stated Sandile Hlayisi, Chairperson of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers.

The graduation ceremony commenced with a warm welcome from the enthusiastic attendees, expressing pride in completing the training and feeling equipped to support others. Participants represented various sectors, including community leaders, volunteers, the Gauteng Department of Health, the Department of Social Development in Limpopo, emergency services, South African Police Service, early childhood practitioners, university professors, business leaders, social workers, and nurses from across the country.

“We drove for hours to attend this joyous occasion. It was truly inspiring to witness the graduates filled with pride and ready to take on the world,” shared a representative from Social Development in Limpopo.

Previous graduates showcased remarkable accomplishments, including Reverend Phampha William Ramodike, Deputy Principal from Limpopo, who improved education quality in his school, achieving the highest passing rate in his district. Boitumelo Maswanganye of Soshanguve addressed illiteracy in her community through an afterschool program, and Irene Moemise turned unemployment into entrepreneurship by opening a successful bakery in Meadowlands.

The ceremony concluded with graduates already planning to contribute positively to society. Hlayisi emphasized, “Community development is crucial for achieving sustainable livelihoods and better living conditions for all. It all starts with a change in mindset. Empowering people to take action is the first essential step towards achieving this goal. Let’s work together to create a community capable of driving positive change.”

The Scientology Volunteer Ministers have trained over 25,000 South Africans in the 19 Tools for Life courses written by renowned humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, continuing their commitment to creating a positive impact.