CIDC Trainee Receptionist, Siya Mtiya, a graduate from the Chrysalis Academy and now interning at the CIDC, shares her journey at Chrysalis Academy with us:
Initially my time at the Chrysalis Academy felt like torture. I never thought I would ever find myself in a situation where I was living in a space with a huge amount of different people but I got accustomed to it.
Waking up at 04:30 in the morning and starting the day with a physical training session was not easy. The sessions were followed by a quick shower of three minutes per person. Cleaning up our rooms took place thereafter and breakfast would be served at 07:00
As time went by, I slowly adjusted to the routine and started enjoying it.
At Chrysalis there are a few phases you have to go through in order to finish the programme.
Orientation Phase: During this phase we team up and interact with everyone else on the course and share our life stories. This is also the phase where friendships are formed. We form close bonds with our instructors who become like parents to us.
Outdoor Phase: This phase I found difficult but at the same time I enjoyed it. This phase required us to walk long distances, sleeping in the bush and hiking the mountains whilst carrying heavy bags. We often ended with blisters on our feet. This is the phase that allowed me to truly connect with myself and to try and figure out what I wanted out of life. It was a great learning experience for me.
The Chrysalis programme taught me about discipline, how to have a positive attitude and various skills I would not have acquired elsewhere, all of which I can take with me into my future.
After the three month programme at Chrysalis was completed, I was provided with a job opportunity via the programme at the Claremont Improvement District Company. I have been working here since December 2016, in the position of trainee receptionist. Along with the skills I was taught at the Chrysalis Academy and the opportunity which I have been given at the CIDC I am now able to re-build myself. I am happy to have been given this opportunity which I know will lead to a better future for me.
CIDC Executive Manager, Abdul Kerbelker with Chrysalis graduate and CIDC Trainee Receptionist, Siya Mtiya