SayPro Request for Funding and Financing of a Project for People with Disabilities in Learnerships, Internships, and Skills Programmes

To:

The Human Resource Development Council (HWSETA)
Johannesburg, South Africa

From:
SayPro – Southern Africa Youth Project

168 14th Road

Midrand

1685

14 December 2024

Subject: Request for Funding and Financing of a Project for People with Disabilities in Learnerships, Internships, and Skills Programmes

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this proposal finds you well. We are writing to request funding and financial support from HWSETA for an exciting and impactful project aimed at empowering people with disabilities. Our initiative seeks to provide 20 people with disabilities an opportunity to participate in learnerships, internships, and skills development programmes, equipping them with the necessary tools for successful careers in the workplace. We believe that through this project, we can make significant strides toward promoting inclusivity, equal opportunity, and long-term social change for people with disabilities.

Project Overview

Our project aims to create an inclusive learning and development environment by offering learnerships, internships, and skills programmes tailored specifically to people with disabilities. This project will be carried out over the course of [project duration], with a total of 20 participants receiving the opportunity to gain practical experience, enhance their qualifications, and improve their employability.

This project will be divided into the following components:

1. Learnerships:
   Ten individuals will be enrolled in learnership programmes focused on specific industries such as administration, IT, hospitality, and retail. Each individual will undergo formal training while gaining hands-on experience in a work environment. These learnerships will result in nationally recognized qualifications, significantly improving the participants’ job prospects.

2. Internships:
   Another six participants will be placed in internships with partner companies across various sectors. These internships will provide them with mentorship, real-world experience, and exposure to industries ranging from business administration to customer service and technology. Interns will also have the opportunity to apply for full-time employment following the completion of their internship.

3. Skills Programmes:
   The remaining four individuals will participate in short-term skills programmes, focusing on upskilling in areas such as digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and soft skills. These programmes will be designed to bridge skill gaps and increase the employability of individuals who may not yet be ready for a full-time learnership or internship but require foundational skills.

Motivation for the Project

The inclusion of people with disabilities in the workforce remains a critical area of development in South Africa. According to the South African Disability Alliance, only 2% of people with disabilities are employed in the formal economy, despite their immense potential. This project aims to change this reality by providing practical opportunities for individuals with disabilities to gain meaningful work experience, acquire valuable skills, and ultimately integrate into the workforce.

The benefits of this project are manifold:

• Social Inclusion: This project will provide individuals with disabilities an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the economy, promoting inclusivity in the workplace.
• Skills Development: By equipping participants with critical skills, we are enhancing their potential for sustainable careers and better livelihood opportunities.
• Long-Term Employment Opportunities: The exposure to practical, hands-on experience in various industries increases the chances of permanent employment for participants, reducing dependency on social grants and promoting financial independence.

Additionally, our project aligns with national goals for achieving workplace transformation and promoting diversity in South Africa. By partnering with HWSETA, we can create a model that supports the empowerment of people with disabilities, thus contributing to the achievement of national development objectives.

Budget and Financial Requirements

We are seeking a total of [total amount requested] from HWSETA to cover the costs associated with this project. A detailed breakdown of the budget is as follows:

This funding will ensure that each participant receives the required support, training, and mentorship to succeed in their chosen field, alongside the necessary accommodations for their specific disability needs.

Conclusion

We believe that this project will have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of 20 individuals with disabilities, enhancing their skills, increasing their employability, and creating pathways for their long-term career success. We kindly request your support in financing this important project, which will contribute to the realization of a more inclusive, equal, and prosperous South Africa.

Thank you for considering this proposal. We look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with HWSETA in making this vision a reality. Should you require further information or wish to discuss the project in greater detail, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Sincerely,

 

Neftaly Malatjie

Chief Executive Officer

SayPro

Neftaly.malatjie@gmail.com

084 313 7407