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Big dreams are taking off as two local youths from the Bergrivier region embark on the journey of a lifetime, thanks to the Bergrivier Youth Development Programme!
In mid October, Chelsea and Tristan Daries swapped the shores of Cape Town for the bustling decks of the MSC Musica, flying straight to Italy to start their new roles as fully qualified bartenders on board the cruise ship.
“It’s been an exciting, albeit challenging, road for these two,” says Nomonde Ndlangisa, CEO of Bergrivier Tourism. “We kicked off their adventure in January, helping them get everything they needed – from training to visas – to grab this incredible opportunity with both hands. The programme was hands-on in every way, assisting with essential documents like passports and visas, arranging medical checks, and providing top-notch marine safety training.”
Buoyed By Supporters
Ndlangisa advises that behind their success are many generous partners, like the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS), which covered R15,000 worth of medical tests per person, and SSTG Marine Training School in St. Helena Bay, which provided R20,000 worth of marine safety training each.
Plus, thanks to Sparrow Restaurant, Chelsea and Tristan were given the chance to gain the vital hospitality experience needed to meet cruise ship requirements. “They didn’t just get the training – the restaurant’s owner even covered their accommodation and meals during the intensive two-week course at the MSC Academy in Cape Town.”
“It’s a shining example of how community and collaboration can turn dreams into reality and we are so grateful to everyone who stepped up to support Chelsea and Tristan,” says Ndlangisa. “From MSC Cruises, who helped guide us through the strict qualification process, to our amazing partners – none of this would’ve been possible without them.”
A Programme Born from Passion
The Bergrivier Youth Development Programme was launched with one clear goal: to open doors for local youth who often feel left behind in the tourism sector.
The programme focuses on providing training in key areas such as hospitality, marine safety, and personal development. By partnering with local businesses, government agencies, and training academies, Bergrivier Tourism has created a strong support system to guide these young people from their first steps to career readiness.
“Tourism is one of the largest employers in the Bergrivier region, yet many young people from marginalised communities don’t have the skills or opportunities to participate. High unemployment and rising school dropout rates have made it even more challenging for them to see a future in the industry.”
“We wanted to change that,” explains Ndlangisa. “We saw tourism as an untapped avenue for these young people to not only find jobs but also build careers. The programme is all about equipping them with the right skills and confidence to take that step.”
The Road Ahead – Sailing into the Future
Chelsea and Tristan are just the beginning. The Bergrivier Youth Development Programme has its sights set on expanding the opportunities available to many more young people. While this year’s intake was limited to a handful of participants, the ultimate goal is to grow the programme, expand partnerships, and introduce more training opportunities – from bartending to entertainment, culinary arts, and beyond – helping as many youths as possible!
“This is just the tip of the iceberg. We’re determined to help as many as we can – whether it’s jobs on cruise ships or within our own tourism sector here in Bergrivier. We’re committed to transforming the future of our youth, one success story at a time. There’s so much more potential to unlock, and we can’t wait to see where it leads,” concludes Ndlangisa.
For more information on the Bergrivier Youth Development Programme contact Nomonde Ndlangisa at 063 671 4736 or 022 783 0831.