FedGroup Iteke learnership programme to create role models out of beneficiaries
Following the success of Brinny Mphogo, the first graduate of FedGroup's Beneficiary Care Education Trust Programme, FedGroup has launched Iteke, an adjacent Learnership Programme. Inspired by the success of Mphogo, Iteke will challenge beneficiaries to shape a future for themselves and, in doing so, build role models out of them.
Iteke: Challenge yourself
In Sepedi, the word 'Iteke' means to challenge yourself. The programme will look to challenge beneficiaries to shape a future for themselves and, in doing so, build role models out of them.
The programme is open to all beneficiaries who are currently completing their Matric, or who completed their Matric in the year 2012. Beneficiaries interested in applying to the programme are required to submit prelim or final results and a short motivating letter. From these applications, a short-list will be created and beneficiaries will be interviewed.
Over the course of 2014, the selected beneficiaries will rotate through FedGroup's various departments, gaining important skills and hands-on experience. Beneficiaries will be remunerated and taught how to save and invest their money.
According to Mphogo, Iteke is not a programme for beneficiaries looking to entertain a gap year, but for those looking to build a strong foundation for future success. "Through Iteke, we are giving our beneficiaries access to the tools they require for optimal development. We are presenting them with an opportunity to unlock their full potential.
"Whether, at the end of the programme, our beneficiaries look to pursue a career in financial services or not, they will graduate from Iteke with a sense of independence and an understanding of interpersonal and corporate communication," he says.
Mentored to mentor
Mphogo is not only the inspiration for Iteke, but will also head up the programme as a mentor to the beneficiaries.
"At FedGroup, we believe education is the key to a successful future. We are a family that sees a future, where others see underprivileged. In 2005, FedGroup invested in me, my education and my future. I would like to extend this investment to beneficiaries who may find themselves in a similar position to what I was," says Mphogo of his involvement in the programme.
Mphogo hopes to inspire the selected beneficiaries and mentor them in the same way he was mentored.
"My aim is to have beneficiaries walk away as role models to their communities. I hope to make them realise that opportunity is not finite. As young people, we need to maximise each and every opportunity that comes our way to the best of our ability," he explains.
A well-rounded business education
In addition to being mentored by Mphogo, Iteke participants will have the opportunity to work alongside some of South Africa's leading financial services professionals. Their interaction with these professionals will provide them with a well-rounded business education. Graduates will also walk away with a certificate in Business Administration - a valuable asset to any CV.
Applications for the Iteke Learnership Programme will close on 31 October, 2013. Selected beneficiaries will be selected towards the middle of November and will start the programme in January, 2014.