In times like these, with the strains of the lockdown being felt across all sectors, it’s encouraging when organisations come together to provide opportunities for people who would normally not get such chances.
It’s people helping other people and in this case, it’s our lovable Cape petrolkoppe stieking uit.
Just this week, a newly launched non-profit called YQ 4 Hope announced an initiative that will hopefully see ambitious backyard tinkerers to become qualified mechanics.
So far, YQ 4 Hope has connected with the Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust, Northlink College, and Witzenberg Motorklub.
Through these organisations, who will be assisting with their resources, the NPO intends to raise funds to subsidise the YQ 4 Hope Bursary Fund for youngsters interested in pursuing a motor-related diploma at the college.
Courses include panel beating, spray painting, mechanical engineering and even welding.
Bobby Nitro spoke to Nieyyaaz Mohamed, spokesperson for YQ 4 Hope.
He says: “The launch on Women’s Day was amazing, especially considering we were able to hand over the first two bursaries, and to female students.”
Thozamile Mvuvu, Communications for Northlink College, says: “The college really appreciates this initiative and is looking forward to a continued relationship.
“Bursaries really come in handy, especially at our Bellville South campus, which specialises in motor mechanics and caters to some marginalised communities.”
Funds will be raised through various avenues, one of the main sources being motorsport events.
These funds will be channelled to various underprivileged sectors and individuals that meet the necessary criteria, and provide opportunities related to motorsport and other connected industries.
For example, the Witzenberg Club intends to raise funds by donating a portion of gymkhana entry fees to the NPO.
Abdul Sayed of Witzenberg Motorklub says: “We are passionate about motorsport and education. This opportunity to share resources and give back to society and the youth that will lead this country in future is an absolute dream come true for the parties involved.”
Abdul says the highlight of the launch was an inspiring speech by shadow MEC for Education in the Western Cape, Khalid Sayed, who “endorsed and recognised this ground-breaking way of giving back to the community”.
Another excellent aspect of initiatives like this, is that they recognise that a person can get involved in motorsport by doing the qualifications to get on the support teams.
Nieyyaaz says: “Motorsport has historically been exclusive, based on how expensive it is. We are trying to get a wider demographic involved. People want to be a part of motor sport, and we are doing our bit to fast-track this.”