SOCIAL CAPITAL: WE ALL HAVE IT
There is something in life called “social capital” – the people you know, the people who know you and circumstances under which you know each other.
Quite unfortunately, people think or behave as though social capital is only needed at weddings and burials. We all know that person whom we haven’t seen in many years but who contacts us with a request for money just before their wedding!
Social capital is not built overnight; it is reciprocal and does not need money to build (especially in this virtually connected world). It just requires that people are sensitive to others’ emotions and operate with integrity; you can’t simply employ the notion of social capital when you need help.
Having said that, social capital is massively important and when built and used correctly, it can make a very big difference to one’s quality of life. Identifying and making use of your social networks can save you money, make you money, get you a better job, make things easier and safer, save you from prison, and even save your life. It can save you time and effort and in short, it helps make life more enjoyable and productive.
As we progress through the year, please learn to connect with people in your circles. Check on people, send someone a birthday message, check their timelines and ensure your comments are positive and inspirational. Pick your phone, call or text someone. It could be your relative, colleague, former schoolmate, a former or current boss, your CEO, your parents etc.
Creating a connection with people is important for building your social capital. And even if they don’t respond, keep in touch. Don’t only reach out when you are in need.
Most importantly, respect everyone no matter their status in life and be there when others need you. Be a solution, an encouragement and inspiration. Avoid being a leech, a user or nagger. Be a nice person who in a calculated way, stays in touch with people and brings joy, encouragement and hope.
*The most important asset you have in life is not your job, money or title; it’s people. Your network is your networth!*
Onyi Nwaneri: CEO-ATS
MAKE THE BEST OF YOUR WORK EXPERIENCE
Often, when we’re in a working environment for the first time, we do not know how to relate to the new and unfamiliar space. Afrika Tikkun Services places many young people into work experience opportunities aimed at creating jobs and enabling young people to be economically empowered. Even though it can feel daunting at first, you must learn how to enjoy the experience and grow in your new position.
Here are some tips on how you can do this:
REQUEST A MENTOR: Many sources advise that it’s useful to find a mentor at work who you can trust and you look up to. This allows you to openly ask questions about the organization, and helps you to better understand your position and what is expected of you.
How to find a mentor – read more
HAVE A PLAN FOR WHEN SOMETHING GOES WRONG: In a new environment, we might experience the unexpected and not always know how to deal with the issue in a professional manner. Rather than acting out your emotions, resorting to gossip or resigning in haste, consider:
1) Accepting that you will make mistakes as this is inevitable
2) Staying calm as opposed to panicking,
3) preparing possible solutions in advance for different scenarios
4) keeping a list of resources at your fingertips.
Trust your manager and inform her/him when you find yourself in a difficult situation.
Dealing with a crisis at work – read more
UNDERSTAND AND KNOW THE CODE OF CONDUCT: In many cases, employees might struggle due to a lack of understanding of the Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is a policy document that guides the employees on the right behaviour at work and provides expectations regarding your job. If you do not know your code of conduct reach out to your supervisor or manager for a copy.
RAISE YOUR HAND FOR EMPOWERMENT OPPORTUNITIES: If you are a short-term placed candidate (learnerships, internship and work experience opportunities) you might be exposed to personal development workshops. Take these opportunities to improve your knowledge about specific topics and in the process, impress your manager. This could result in a permanent employment opportunity.
Learning at work – read more
CHALLENGE YOURSELF: Reaching out to your manager for more responsibility will ultimately add to your personal and career growth. Try something new three times outside your role. Growth is definite and can be rewarding in a long run.
Ways to challenge yourself at work – read more
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALUMNI COMMITTEE LEADERS 2020
There were over 200 leadership ballots cast for Alumni Committee positions in our respective centres. Well done to the election organizers for conducting a free and fair election process. Congratulations to the following new 2020 Alumni Leaders:
Arekopaneng, Orange Farm:
Vinolia Maobelo, Khensani Tshabalala, Busisiwe Mthethwa, Nobuhle Mthethwa, Refiloe Motaung, Mzwakhe Makhanya, Lehlohonolo Mosiuoa, Ndaedzo Mabina, and Thato Molefe.
Uthando, Braampark:
Tsholofelo Takalo, Kelly Nyoni, Tholakele Mkhonza, Salcina Zandamela, Boitimelo Tseke, Khanya Sibanda, Honey Mashike, Thabo Sibanda, Akhona Vulindela, and Phumlani Simamane.
Phuthaditjaba, Alexandra Township:
Zandile Bila, Karabo Mokgomola, Muntu Twala-Tibane, Winile Ntuli, Tebogo Lebogang, Khomotso Rakomana, Donald Lekalakala, Sydney Mphekwane, Khanyasinani Buthelezi and Vuyo Mandu.
Wings of life, Diepsloot:
Opha Khumalo, leratta Tshivase, Tshepiso Lehong, Nicole Kgomo, Maureen Maluleka, Raymont Mphala, Prominence Ncube, Tshepo Mdimande, Nicole Kgomo and Maureen Maluleka.
We look forward to year of strategic growth and meaningful impact!
FORTHCOMING ALUMNI COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP SUPPORT ACTIVITIES:
- JHB Project Management Workshop 5 March 2020
- JHB Leadership Camp 6-8 March 2020
- CPT Leadership Camp 20-22 March 2020
- CPT Project Management Workshop 23 March 2020
WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU. APPLY NOW!
Job opportunity: Work experience internship
- Finance (1x)
- Operations (1x)
- Contracting (1x)
Minimum qualification: Grade 12
Duties:
Data capturing, Filing
Requirements:
Good organizational skills; good computer skills (email, word, excel); good communication skills; Maths skills; attention to detail, deadline-driven, ability to work under pressure.
Location: Johannesburg
Start date: 4 March 2020
For more information contact: Patricia Banda at patriciab@afrikatikkun.org or call 011 3255914
We also look forward to the following exciting events (note there have been strategic changes made to the year plan
Bertie Lubner Volunteer Week on the 16- 20 March 2020
- Bertie Lubner Volunteer Week: 9-13 March 2020
- Afrika Tikkun Talent Day Volunteer opportunity: 18 July 2020
- Young Urban Women and Men ‘Active Citizens’ Clubs: fourth Friday of each month from January to November 2020
- Business Summit: 16 June 2020
- Alumni Day: 21 November 2020
For more information on how you can take part on the events contact Warren Radebe at warrenr@afrikatikkun.org or call 0721938181
LEARN MORE ABOUT SMILE FOUNDATION
Who is Smile Foundation?
Smile Foundation is a South African non-profit organisation with a comprehensive healthcare vision for children living with facial conditions and anomalies such as cleft lip, cleft palate, nose and ear conditions, facial paralysis (Moebius Syndrome), burn wounds and craniofacial abnormalities. Together with the country’s academic hospitals and through corrective facial reconstructive surgery and treatments, we put smiles back on the faces of children.
You can make a difference – refer a child and give them the opportunity to live to their full potential
How to refer a patient
- Go to the Smile Foundation App (see below)
- Open the Mobile Application
- Go to referrals
- Fill in the referral details as required
- o live to their full potential. you can categorise into “or.
- Presssubmit.
How to download Smile Foundation’s
Mobile App
For Android users please;
- Go to play store and for IPhone users go to the Apple Store
- Search for “Smile Foundation”
- Click download
- Install
Smile Foundation contact details: 011 325 6480 Website: https://smilefoundationsa.org/refer-a-patient/
https://www.facebook.com/SmileFoundationSA
https://twitter.com/SmileFundSA
