Story
By Lindile Zanda Mpepanduku
Hollard
One of the things that I have realized about these community trainings is that you can only train so many people within your community, you are then as a trainer left with the decision to spend a bit on your budget to reach other areas. With the Hollard training I decided to train in Coffee Bay (Mqanduli) in the Eastern Cape, this was because I have been working closely with the OR Tambo District and they had asked if we could have more trainings in their region.
One of the things that stood out for me was that it was the first time that a Company had showed interest in their community to develop them and equip them with day to day skills that could enrich their lives by changing their relationship with finances. Coffee Bay although remote it is a beautiful costal area that is underdeveloped. The community here is used to people coming to them wanting to exploit their land. The news of the training started spreading like wild fire, we could have trained for more than a month if we were able without struggling for participants but because it is a tourist friendly place the accommodation is costly. In every village we went to we had a welcoming committee awaiting us and thanking both Avo Vision and Hollard for identifying them for such a training.
The funny part is that in every training the chief or ward councilor would appoint someone who would ensure that people were participating in the training.
When I left Coffee Bay I was reminded of one of the objectives that Jules always highlights that Avo exists to create footprints, the level of appreciation that was showed to both me and Sindiswa in this area surely we have left footprints. We used local people for catering and they were more than greatful for that little opportunity.
It is unfortunate that we cannot reach all areas due to transport and accommodation costs, these trainings are truly a life line to so many people.