Recently, two No-Profit organizations, Scientology Volunteer Ministers and Forgotten Nation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster positive economic change and community based mental health approaches.
The Forgotten Nation of South Africa, a Public Benefit Organization that advocates for the rights, needs and aspirations of unemployed people over 35 as well as unemployed graduates counts over 20 000 members nationwide.
With unemployment amongst those over 35 at a concerning 30 percent and almost one million graduates in South Africa without work, the executives of the organization decided to take action and seek effective partnerships to make a measurable difference.
After engaging with the South African chapter of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, one of the largest community development organizations in the world, the two organizations decided to enter upon a formal Memorandum of Understanding in order to forward shared aims.
The Scientology Volunteer Ministers will provide training in a powerful life skills programme called the Tools for Life at no cost to the members ForgotteNation. To date, more than 22 000 people in South Africa have been empowered with this powerful training programme developed by renowned humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard. It covers 19 essential life skills including communication, ethics & honesty, conflict resolution, social & spiritual support, organization, efficiency and public relations to name a few.
The partnership has already resulted in over 600 members of ForgotteNation trained to date.
“We are thrilled to join forces with the Scientology Volunteer Ministers to expand our reach and create meaningful change,” said Mr. Mmatlou Tsipa, National Chairperson of the ForgotteNation of SA. “Together, we can pool resources and expertise to achieve more and make a significant difference in the communities we serve.”
He added, “our members are thrilled by the partnership and full of enthusiasm. Collaboration is key to addressing complex challenges and by working together, we can provide impactful workshops and training that empower individuals and communities.”
Beyond economic upliftment, the two organizations are also convinced that their partnership will help pioneer progressive approaches to mental health promotion.
“The WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan calls for integrated, holistic and community based approaches to mental health”, says Sandile Hlayisi, Chairman of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers. “Let’s bear in mind that unemployment can be a significant driver of stress and depression. We thus believe that through this partnership we can promote community based support systems by giving people practical skills to help themselves and others create a better life. After all our motto is “Something CAN be done about it!”
ForgotteNation Chairperson Mmatlou Tsipa agreed and added, “We recently conducted an opinion poll that found that many unemployed people suffer severe stress that can lead to depression and even suicide. We need practical workshops and trainings to empower people to find a way out of this trap. I see great relevance in this partnership in achieving this.”
