Xylem South Africa, a subsidiary of Xylem LLC, is a proud supporter of Transcend’s REALISE bootcamp. This ground-breaking programme helps people with disabilities realise their potential and grow as contributing members of the South African economy. 

“We believe deeply that you should invest in people,” said Shelley Hunt, Director

Transcend Corporate Advisors. “This is crucial when you consider SA’s staggering youth unemployment rates. Transcend’s REALISE programme focuses on people with disabilities to stop their marginalisation in society, increase their employability, and build a springboard for their careers. The future of the country rests in all our hands and when perfectly capable people are held back due to prejudice and misunderstanding, nobody wins. So, we want to put that power back into their hands.”

Transcend’s fully accredited REALISE bootcamp is open to people with a range of different conditions, including partial sight, albinism, epilepsy, and bipolar disorder. It employs several different modules, covering personal development, business skills and technology literacy. REALISE is a work readiness bootcamp designed to offer job seekers a unique learning experience.

Students undergo an exciting journey from the classroom to simulated work environments and digital literacy training. Along the way, they are encouraged to build their confidence, cultivate introspection, uncover their passion, and purpose, and identify their strengths and limitations. The course includes group and self-motivated activities, as well as one-on-one mentoring.

“REALISE has helped me in knowing myself and increased my self-esteem and knowing how to work with a team and presentation skills. It has played an important role in teaching me about finance and digital literacy,” said Vusimuzi Morei, one of Xylem’s participants in the programme and a REALISE alumni. 

Transcend, a transformation consultancy, facilitates skills development, and over the past decade has helped thousands of youth find meaningful workplace experience. Recognising that people with disabilities are especially more vulnerable to the challenges and barriers in the labour market, Transcend came to specialise in learnerships for people with disabilities. 

This led to the REALISE programme, and Xylem signed on as one of its pioneering supporters. Recognising the synergy between the two organisations towards youth employment and personal development, Xylem eagerly began supporting REALISE by enrolling students to the programme.

“REALISE is designed to be engaging, educational, fun and introspective. They are truly focused on transforming individuals - even during the lockdown, Transcend’s trainers and mentors kept the momentum going, giving guidance and focus to the students. At Xylem, we try to change lives through access to water. Transcend changes lives through access to self-empowerment. We are very proud to be associated with REALISE, and humbled by the can-do attitude of our students,” said Chetan Mistry, Strategy and Marketing Manager at Xylem Africa.