Mowcs Celebrates Biodiversity Economy Skills Development Programme

In a step towards economic empowerment and sustainable development, Meals on Wheels Community Services (MOWCS), in partnership with South African National Parks (SANParks) and corporate sponsor Wabtec South Africa, celebrates the graduation of 35 beneficiaries from its biodiversity economy skills development programme, says MOWCS.

The initiative, developed to address youth unemployment and foster inclusive growth, states that it trains participants in practical, income-generating skills such as food preservation, leather crafting and the manufacturing of beauty products using indigenous plants and other natural resources.

"This programme was never just about training, it's about restoring dignity and creating real pathways to economic freedom," says Yanela Takawira, Senior Training and Development Manager at MOWCS. "Many of our beneficiaries come from communities where opportunity is scarce. What we've done here is offer them not just a skill, but the support and vision to become self-reliant and contribute meaningfully to their local economies."

The 35 graduates include individuals supported by Meals on Wheels Community Services, beneficiaries from SANParks' surrounding communities, victims of crime and ex-offenders referred by the Department of Correctional Services and vulnerable individuals identified by the Department of Social Development, says MOWCS.

Effort Bhebe, Chief Financial Officer at MOWCS, says, "As we face the combined challenges of food insecurity, climate change and poverty, it's clear that empowering communities through agriculture and conservation-based entrepreneurship is not only necessary, it's urgent."

The initiative confirms that the programme was made possible through funding support from Wabtec South Africa, a key partner committed to uplifting underserved communities through skills development.

"We are deeply grateful to Wabtec for sponsoring this initiative," says Takawira. "Partnerships like these enable non-profit organisations such as MOWCS to deliver high-impact, long-term change in the lives of South Africans."

MOWCS expresses its intention to scale the programme and is actively seeking partnerships with corporates and government departments that share its empowerment vision. According to the initiative, plans are underway to include programme graduates now registered cooperatives in major global platforms, like the G20 Summit, as per a commitment made by the Deputy Minister of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, who attended the occasion, providing exposure and market opportunities.

"We recognise that training alone doesn't create entrepreneurs," Takawira concludes. "We are committed to walking the journey with each graduate, offering mentorship, enterprise development support and access to markets until they can stand on their own and build sustainable businesses. As an organisation that feeds communities through 182 kitchens and four warehouses nationally, we know that, to truly uproot poverty, we must also invest in long-term, income-generating solutions."

Individuals are encouraged to donate to MOWCS here.

For more information, visit www.MOW.org.za. You can also follow MOWCS on Facebook or on Instagram.

*Image courtesy of contributor