Jirah was able to implement our concept of an Engineering Studies Bridging Programme because of the SED funding we received from Stefanutti Stock/Axyss joint venture regarding the Rehabilitation of the Durban Harbor project that started in 2014.
Stefanutti Stocks has played an ongoing role in resourcing Jirah Academy beyond the SED funding from the Durban Harbor project. Their support allowed Jirah to pilot a mainstream satellite campus offering 14 subjects in NCOR/N1/N2/N3 Engineering Studies in 2015. We were able to start a second group of 50 learners in January 2016 that will articulate through our 18 month courses.
Jirah has transitioned from being an SED project to becoming part of Stefanutti Stocks Corporate project support.
Jirah Academy received funding from the AECI – Community Education and Development Trust in 2016. The trust supports 20 learners from communities close to the AECI – Umbogintwini Plant that is situated in the South Durban Basin.
The relationship with AECI has assisted Jirah to grow from seed funding to transitional funding. We appreciate the proficiency of the trust members and look forward to a long term relationship with AECI.
M Projects made Jirah Academy’s satellite campus a reality by sponsoring mobile classrooms units, office and ablution units. These units were delivered and assembled on site prior to Jirah receiving its seed funding at the very start of our two subject Bridging Programme. This was a bold gesture of faith and M Projects belief in what was only a concept at the time.
When Jirah Academy grew into a 14 subject satellite college, M Projects delivered a double size classroom unit at short notice at the start of 2015. This allowed Jirah to implement our mainstream Engineering Studies courses and has become the bases for all we have accomplished to date. We at Jirah and our beneficiaries hold M Projects in high regard because of the support and look forward to building a meaningful long term relationship.
Durban University of Technology (DUT) Vice Chancellor Prof. Bawaspearheaded a think tank collaboration regarding post –secondary school education and training that requires a transformational approach. Jirah is honored to be part of this collaboration and is benefiting tremendously from our DUT Collaboration. Prof. Darren Lortan who is Vice Rector of Engagements and head of department of Mathematics at DUT is also a board member of Jirah Projects serving as Deputy Chairman.
Jirah Academy is being documented in a research project that includes TVET and HET Institutions nationally. The focus of the research is related to SAQA Articulation post secondary school. Among the TVET and HET institutions, Jirah represents the plight of the artisan in South Africa. Our “Second Chance” and “Whole Person Education” approach is being researched because of its unique attributes and phenomenal outcomes we are able to achieve.
The research project will run for four years. We intend achieving measurable and observable outcomes that can be duplicated.
The Office of Co Operation at DUT has played a meaningful role by including Jirah in its careers and vocational education and training workshops, networking and events held by DUT. Co-ops also assists Jirah with bulk printing of assignment books and the sponsorship of transport for our excursion programmes when possible. We appreciate the spirit of inclusion and professionalism at Co-ops.
Transnet Engineering has signed an agreement with Jirah Academy for the placement of our learners into Transnet apprenticeship on the job training.
Jirah Academy is the SED project for Transnet National Ports Authorities (TNPA) in relation to the rehabilitation of the Durban Harbor Project.
Jirah Academy has a collaboration with TNPA Maritime School of Excellence regarding the articulation of Jirah learners into Maritime training and careers.
Toyota Motors South Africa assist Jirah Academy with the placement of our learners into respective trades and production line careers through their recruitment office.
In a move to help address artisan skills shortages in the wider petrochemical industry as well as high unemployment levels in the South Durban community, Engen has backed a two-year learnership programme that will provide full funding for 20 learners.
