The Breede River Winelands Rotary club identified a need for equipment at a local skills development project, and thanks to a District Grant, secured the funds to purchase some much needed equipment.
Rural communities like McGregor, which depend on seasonal agricultural work have few other job opportunities. Lack of skills makes the problem even worse. The Breede Centre, established six years ago under the inspiration and energy of retired maths and woodwork teacher Pieter Holloway, tackles this problem in a very practical way.
Basic training courses in marketable skills such as toy and furniture making, sewing, cooking and catering, handyman and building repair work, and cycle maintenance are all undertaken. Trainees from these courses work in the community and their earnings are shared between themselves and the Centre until their equipment is paid off, when it becomes their own property. Tools and equipment are an ongoing need.
Breede River Winelands Rotary Club has used a District Grant to help with supply of sewing machines, scroll and circular saws, drills and a belt sander.
President Cas Groot handed these over to a delighted Pieter Holloway and some trainees.