HACT Unveils Groundbreaking Learning Lab to Uplift Local Youth

A spirit of hope and empowerment filled the air at the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust (HACT) on Thursday morning as the organisation officially unveiled its expanded Learning Lab, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at equipping unemployed and out-of-school youth from the Valley of a Thousand Hills with essential digital and vocational skills.

Developed in proud partnership with Grindrod, the new Learning Lab is housed within a refurbished computer container and serves as a beacon of opportunity in a region where many young people face steep barriers to employment and education. The morning's festivities began in HACT's Training Room, where guests, partners, and media gathered to hear more about the vision and future impact of the programme.

A particular highlight was the announcement that Grindrod will sponsor the first cohort of students enrolled in the Lab, a gesture that underscores the company's deep commitment to youth empowerment and community development.

"This Learning Lab represents a real lifeline for many young people in our community where there is often a tremendous gap in terms of exposure to digital literacy and also skill sets which set up young people for successful employment or entrepreneurship." said Candace Moolman, CEO of HACT. "Thanks to Grindrod's generous support, and after many months of planning, we can hit the ground running with this new space and opportunity for training."

Jodie Thorburn, Business Applications Analyst from Grindrod who was closely involved in driving the project said, "Few things are as deeply rewarding as empowering others to grow and realize their full potential. That's exactly what this partnership represents for us at Grindrod"

"This initiative beautifully embodies Grindrod's commitment to our corporate social investment strategy, which is rooted in uplifting the communities we serve. Through education, skills development, and the promotion of employment opportunities, we are not just supporting our communities; we are actively transforming lives. A heartfelt congratulations to HACT for turning this vision into a reality," Xolani Mbambo Grindrod Chief Executive Officer.

The event was not only inspirational but also saw local stakeholders networking, with catering provided by HACT's Ubuntu Ground Café, adding a local and heartwarming touch to the morning's proceedings.

The Learning Lab will offer a range of digital literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurial training modules, all designed to increase employability and foster innovation among its participants.

HACT is inviting other corporations and donors to be a part of this impactful journey. Those interested in sponsoring future student intakes or supporting the Lab in other ways can contact the organisation at [email protected].

With the Learning Lab now officially open, HACT takes another bold step forward in its mission to uplift and empower the next generation.