Community

Waterloo Solar is focused on empowering and strengthening the local communities in and around the Vryburg area in the North West Province, namely Vryburg, Kismet Park, Huhudi, Colridge and Dithakwaneng.

The aim is to empower and build capacity of targeted communities through the funding of various socio-economic development programmes that positively address local skills gaps and needs, and to empower the communities to be economically independent and take ownership of their future.

The approach is characterised by continuous engagement, the sharing of knowledge and experiences, and a focus on relevance and practicality of projects supported. All of Waterloo Solar’s local economic development programmes are results and impact-driven; designed to be sustainable and make a lasting difference in communities within which the company operates.

The beneficiary communities will benefit directly from economic development programmes, for the duration of the solar plant’s twenty-year operation period, in accordance with the plant operating agreement.

SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FLAGSHIP PROJECTS

The focuses of Waterloo Solar’s Socio-Economic Development projects are Education, Youth Development, Health, Enterprise Development, Food Security and Welfare. The programmes have been chosen following research and engagement to ensure that the programmes are well informed.

Waterloo Solar, in implementing its various Socio-Economic Development (SED) and Enterprise Development (EnD projects, will commit 80% of the obligation to ‘Flagship Projects’ and 20% to smaller ‘Hearts and Minds’ initiative.

This principle reflects a focus on long term sustainable projects while recognizing the immediate needs of beneficiary communities.

Education

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Provision of Education Resources and Play Equipment: Early Childhood Development for children between the ages of 0 and 6 years is critical in determining the success of the child’s academic foundations. It is with this belief that Waterloo Solar will prioritise ECD Centres requiring educational resources and play equipment, both of which are vital for development.

Mentoring and Coaching of ECD practitioners: By working with experienced service providers, mentoring and coaching will be provided for ECD practitioners in identified ECD centres to ensure that learners are correctly stimulated and supported.

Minor repairs at ECD Centres

Waterloo Solar will assess the condition of the ECD Centres in the Naledi Local Municipality, and appoint local service providers to conduct the repairs and/or maintenance.

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT

A number of initiatives supporting young people in the development of skills to deal with the pressures of adolescence is focused on both academic and non-academic development of youth within the beneficiary communities focusing on personal mastery. This programme is aimed at life skills needed to navigate the journey to adulthood. It assists learners in their school career/journey to allow for better subject selection in Grades 9 and 10. The intervention focuses on both academic and non-academic development of youth.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Access to tertiary studies is a high priority, with full Scholarships being made available to qualifying learners, to attend Universities and other Tertiary institutions.

GOODWILL PROJECTS

A small percentage (20%) of the SED Budget will be made available for the implementation and support of our ‘Hearts and Minds Initiatives’. These projects will be supported according to merit.

WATER AND SANITATION

One of the greatest needs noted by the community and Local Municipality is the need for reliable water supply within the beneficiary communities.

Enterprise Development

A percentage of the revenue generated each year will be committed to implementing Enterprise Development (EnD) initiatives, to build resilience and accelerate the growth and success of entrepreneurial businesses, ultimately stimulating the local economic growth and creating opportunities for the economic participation of previously disadvantaged groups.

The main goal is to assist in the acceleration and growth of businesses from various sectors, aimed at youth-owned and run business. The purpose of the program will be to provide support in the form of training and mentoring to the SMMEs and where possible create Access to Market opportunities through Expos and networking sessions.

SMMEs are assisted with compliance and registration; business development support; as well as mentoring and coaching.