ArcelorMittal South Africa’s (AMSA) Newcastle Works has demonstrated its commitment to community development by investing R120,000 in job creation and education.
The steel industry heavyweight funded the education of 20 women at the Grace Old Age and Frail Care training facility, in a move that holds promise for both these women and the community they serve.
Each woman’s training costs R6,000 for a three month programme, leading to a cumulative contribution of R120,000 from AMSA Newcastle Works. This investment will equip these women to embark on a journey toward becoming proficient home based care providers.
Speaking about this community driven initiative on Wednesday, 30 August 2023, Joe Nowbath of AMSA Newcastle Works shared that the company’s involvement with the training facility commenced in July 2022, when it sponsored training fees for 13 women.
“As AMSA continues to strive to be involved in the Newcastle community, this project sees ArcelorMittal help in creating employment within the town, while offering relief to people and families who rely on home based caregivers,” commented Nowbath.
The timing of this sponsorship, coinciding with Women’s Month, amplifies the significance of AMSA’s contribution to the advancement of women within the Newcastle community.
Jane Peters, Head of the Grace Old Age and Frail Care training facility, expressed heartfelt appreciation for AMSA’s involvement.
“This means so much to us, as this means people who would have been unable to afford the studies now have the opportunity to further their education and gain steady employment. They will receive training from qualified healthcare professionals on home based care, administrating medication, CPR training, checking their patients’ blood pressure and diabetes, and learning how to bath and care for the elderly and bedridden.”
Peters highlighted the prevailing lack of expertise in caring for the frail and elderly, often leading to frustration and neglect.
The comprehensive training offered to these 20 women not only addresses this gap but also paves the way for their employment by families in need of such services. Ultimately, this initiative holds the potential to ensure the wellbeing and dignity of the sick and elderly.
We invite readers to share their perspectives on this commendable endeavour in the comments section below.
