THE Agency for Refugee Education, Skills Training and Advocacy (Aresta) held their graduation ceremony last week Thursday.
Graduates successfully completed the Aresta vocational training course in English and Xhosa.
“Aresta believes language plays an important role in the promotion of tolerance for diversity and a peaceful coexistence between South Africans and refugees,” Aresta training officer Elijah Osei said.
In order to help refugees build a new life and participate in South African communities, Aresta tries to overcome the language barrier which separates and limits refugees. “Language plays an important part in the promotion of peace and tolerance within communities,” Osei said.
The Aresta vocational training course, however, also focuses on other training courses through the Livelihoods office, including ICT and computer training, business and entrepreneurial training, home-based care training, nail and beauty therapy training and hospitality training.
The training courses offered by Aresta assists refugees and asylum seekers to integrate and participate in the community.
“We are so proud of all our graduates who have achieved so much while making it through so many challenges,” Osei said.
“We are extremely proud of Flavio Gomes from Angola who, through the vocational training programme, has finally been enrolled into Grade 9 at Ariston Christian School after being rejected from all the mainstream East London schools for his inability to speak English.”
Aresta’s next vocational training course will commence on May 8. Anyone interested can visit Aresta’s offices at 15 St Matthews Road, Belgravia or contact Osei on (043)722-1853.
