The goal is to give learners exposure to the different fields of trade such as carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical and mechanics. The Joshua Project will not become another training centre but only a means of encouraging and developing skills identified in learners.

We want to identify learners and show them basic skills and if they show interest, they can enter the formal trade schools.

This also gives a opportunity to establish a Mentoring relationship between the teacher and learner as they work together and learn together. The Joshua Project wants to teach the children basic skills like using a hammer, changing tap washers, changing a tyre etc and with that build relationships and trust , furthering the development of the child’s character.

School is a normal thing most people go through when they’re young. People learn to read and write there and learn many other subjects. The kids of our school are 10-18 years of age and have never been to that kind of school, so sometimes they can’t read or write. This is not their only problem. We educate and train them so they can transfer to a regular high school or trade school. Some will attend only our school before they start to work. What a privilege to help these kids with the skills that will enable them to make their dreams come true.

Building skills is the process of facilitating learning through a set of structured activities. It is intended to equip a street child with new or improved strategies for dealing with the daily life on the street and with specific situations that they are likely to experience. Many types of skills can help a street child to plan and carry out responsible and healthy choices. These include; life skills, practical skills, performance skills, vocational and livelihood skills.

Life skills are defined by WHO as ‘abilities for adaptive and positive behaviour that enable individuals to deal with the demands and challenges of everyday life’ (WHO, 1993)

Sport and Life Skills

Some of these skills are mentioned below:

• Decision making and problem solving.

• Creative thinking and critical thinking.

• Communication and interpersonal skills.

• Self-awareness and empathy.

• Coping with emotions and stress.

A nutritious breakfast and lunch is provided to all the children who are part of the Educare morning program.

We also provide the opportunity and facilities for children to take care of their basic hygiene needs like showering and washing their own clothes.

To be instrumental in the children’s emotional and spiritual growth and well being. Children receive basic equipping in arts and crafts combined with spiritual programs. The objectives of these activities are spiritual growth and emotional healing. Children learn to express themselves through role plays, story telling and stage plays. Children learn to deal with their emotions and learn to cope with the difficulties they encounter in their families and school.

A very exciting tool in our education is ABET which is Adult Basic Education and Training and refers to education up to the equivalent of grade 9 (standard 7). ABET includes both literacy and numeracy. An outcomes-based program, ABET aims to provide basic learning tools, knowledge and skills, and provides participants with nationally recognized qualifications.

The four levels of ABET training are equivalent to Grades R to 9.

ABET includes training in:

• language, literacy and communication

• mathematical literacy, mathematics and mathematical sciences

• natural science

• arts and culture

• life orientation

• technology

• human and social science

• economic and management science.

Learners can also choose to take courses in:

• small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs)

• tourism

• agricultural science

• ancillary health care.

ABET programme’s are overseen by the National ABET Board.