He always wanted to be an Engineer when he came to Edmonton in 2014, from the African nation of Malawi. Today, he works towards becoming one, and in September 2018, Gomezgani Munthali, will enroll at NAIT to start his course in Civil Engineering.
To achieve this, he got some vital support from the Africa Centre Youth Employment Program called Boost – Pathways to success. “I got into the program in 2017. I spent 10 weeks of training, and 12 weeks work experience in different places,” Gomezgani shared his experience at Diversity Centre with Diversity Magazine on March 23, 2018.
He continued, “They (Africa Centre) helped me with my security badge, gave me some live management, communications, and crucial computer skills. They (Africa Centre) also helped me with the job that I now have. Africa Centre also paid for my examination fee for the security examination that I took to earn my security certificate and badge. While working as a security officer, I’m now saving money from the job to fund my Engineering program to start in September”.
Since January 2018, Gomezgani has been working for a security company in Edmonton, where he did his work experience, all organized by Africa Centre Boost Program.
Alinnce Muhabwa is one of 12 program participants in the third batch of the Boost youth employment program currently going on to be completed in June 2018. He shared with Diversity Magazine at the Boost program site on 11305 95 Street, Edmonton, “This training has really opened my eyes and helped me a lot. My dream is to open my own business one day”.
Boost has become a life changing program for youths between 15 and 30 in communities of African descent in Edmonton. It’s a safe place, with former participants of the program constantly going back to chat, network, and connect, while those in the program learn; employability, resume building and interview preparation skills. They also gain job search support and referrals, connection with employers, get help with safety tickets, communication, and other useful skills to help them move into jobs or pursue their studies after the program.
“After the program, we all become so close and tight-knit,” Program Coordinator, Blen Kusmu shared with Diversity Magazine during a tour of the program location. Program participants give back to the community by volunteering at different places such as the Edmonton Food Bank, while gaining useful work experience in return.
To be eligible to enroll in the Boost Youth Employment Program, youths must be between 15 – 30, not on EI, must be Canadian or Permanent Resident. Registration takes place year-round through skillslinkapps@africacentre.ca or using the phone number 780.471.1027.
The program is run by a by a three-person team, made up of Program Manager, Olufunke Smith, Program Coordinator Blen Kusmu, and Program Assistant, Nahome Dessh-Nizghi. The Boost program is funded by the Government of Canada. Below is a picture of Honorable Amarjeet Sohi presenting a check of over $1.3 million for the Boost program to Africa Centre Board Chair John Gaye.
