The ADC

Our Impact

The Assumption Development Centre (ADC)

Vision Statement

ADC’s intended impact is articulated through our vision statement – ‘An integrated, healthy Makhanda community characterised by responsible, active & resilient youth’ . We strive to attain our vision by ‘providing a holistic post-school, developmental programme for youth in order to equip them to access pathways into enterprise development, employment or education.’

The illustration below depicts the intended impact that ADC strives towards with respect to Joza & Makhanda youth.

ADC’S IMPACT WITHIN

OUR COMMUNITY

Each year, the ADC measures its reach & impact. The ADC has consistently extended its impact year on year, steadily enhancing the lives of its beneficiaries through positive changes that its programmes deliver.

Positive impacts include young people being able to access TVET colleges and universities, young people getting employment through the placement programme, and others being supported with their own businesses

Our Impact

Employment Program

The 2nd chance matric program provides an opportunity for learners to improve their Grade 12 results in order to access further and higher education, as well as to increase their chances of employment. Each year the results of young people enrolled in the program improve, with the 2023 cohort producing a 74% pass rate.

Work Skills Program

South Africa faces rampant and chronic unemployment, particularly among young people. ADC has made significant inroads in addressing the widespread unemployment rate. Our work skills programme which includes Life skills, Computer skills, professional communication and learners and driver’s licence, has increased young people’s chances of getting employment significantly. Most importantly, our programme has assisted in creating a mindset shift in young people, from a position of despondence to a position of actively seeking employment. Through our partnership with the Social Employment Fund (SEF) programme, an initiative of the President of South Africa, the ADC has placed 173 youth in employment in 2023.

Financial Literacy & Savings Groups

ADC’s savings and credit groups continue to have a meaningful impact on the lives of the members. We have 476 participants that are part of the programme and more than 80% of the people in the savings programme are women. Members of the savings groups highlight that savings are typically used on household goods such as food and school fees and household renovations, especially building flats to earn rental income. An exciting development in 2023, was partnering with local banks to secure savings and earn additional interest. In 2023, an impressive R1.9million was shared out between members via the savings groups.

Business Development

The ADC provides continuous support to small businesses. Business support includes training, group workshops and one-on-one mentoring sessions, growing networking opportunities and expanding market base and support for finding applications. In 2023, the ADC was able to support more than 20 micro businesses, including providing access to relief funding through the Presidential Stimulus, which ensures that they continue with their businesses and also ensure that they keep their employees.

In addition through partnership with Rhodes University, and Rhodes Community Engagement’s Masakhe programme, we are able to support small businesses and facilitate provision of goods and services to the university, alongside purchasing of much needed equipment to strengthen the enterprises. Through Rhodes Business School the micro businesses received marketing & branding support.

Business Supported: Enhanced Aloes, Backyard Braai Place, Sizo Media, Mfuzo Boxing, Agco Kitchen, Fixing Zar, Nkanini Day Care, Sibanye Special Day Care Centre, Sis D’s Laundry, Taphome General Trading, Akhona Creations

Couselling Hub

Since 2022 the ADC in partnership with Rhodes Psychology Department, Clinic and the Counselling Centre has provided critically needed mental health services to the community of Makhanda, through the ADC Counselling Hub. This service has reached a large number of youth and members of the Joza community, indicating a dire need for counselling and mental health support services. The reach of our Counselling Hub in 2023 is shown in the graph below.