By Desi Tzoneva

The global recession hit the world hard, leaving many with ‘secure’ jobs unemployed. Credit bureaus opened hotlines and counselling centres boosted up resources to meet the demands from the newly retrenched but one aspect that was given little attention during the crisis is what happens to those who were already unemployed or very poor?

Tania Bownes from DreamWorker said that despite recessions, the poorest groups are those who suffer the longest. During economic crises, more people are laid off, with serious effects on many in the middle-income band, as well as the poorest. “Sadly, the retrenchment effect cascades – people who had domestics five days a week cut this down... or decided to do garden work themselves. In a work situation, those reduced are often the tea ladies and drivers, so the pool of semi-skilled people who are unemployed increases. Many of them are working to support extended families, so the effects can be disastrous for some.”

DreamWorker is a non-profit organisation (NPO) which is attempting to help government halve unemployment in the Western Cape by 2014 as part of its social development programme. In 2006, it was initially tasked to take over and project-manage a fledgling employment facilitation programme in Hout Bay. Having used this as a pilot study for two years, it was asked by government to provide the service to the Cape Town metropole region. Having seen the benefits of helping lesser- and semi-skilled people find work, “we were inspired and ready to take the programme wider,” Bownes added.

To address the consequences of unemployment, DreamWorker believes that it is vital to get as many people working as possible. Although skill-training is necessary in many areas, without food and money, “people cannot begin to consider taking time to be trained, let alone pay for the taxi fare to get to their training.”

Being able to “earn while they learn,” is vital, Bownes said. The NPO begins to help the unemployed by offering worker-readiness tips. A leaflet, titled ‘Important Information for Employees’, encourages workers to let their employers know when they are going to be late; to communicate with their employers and not simply stay away; and they are urged to do every job to the best of their ability so that when they leave, they get a good reference. Workers are given a leaflet which shows them how to prepare a good CV, and why it is important to do so. They are also encouraged to “practice telling their story with clarity” by not confusing the dates of previous employment and knowing exactly when they worked; for whom; and to explain clearly why they left. They are taught: “how to be sharp; confident; and well prepared for their interview,” Bownes stated.

Apart from finding work for people, DreamWorker has launched the Link of Love programme. The NPO sells vouchers at R100 each to anyone wanting to make a difference. This R100 buys a day of work for an unemployed person. DreamWorker has also linked up with an NGO in Gugulethu and identifies needs in the community, such as people with AIDS who need homecare; old people who need their houses cleaned; and township vegetable gardens that need tending. Unemployed people are sent out into the community to go and work, and to make a contribution to other people in dire need. “It is a win-win, giving the unemployed a chance to feel worthy and useful again.”

Bownes said that the community is informed about employment initiatives through placing posters in libraries and police stations, as well as handing out leaflets on taxis. However, word of mouth has been the strongest form of communication. Because the DreamWorker office is based in Athlone, it is accessible to most, and is near the station and taxi rank. “We see people in the mornings from 09:00 until 12:30, and spend the afternoons doing the necessary admin of following up on reference checks; data capture; and employer communication.”

Workers, she said, “are hugely grateful that we provide the service to them free of charge. They are also grateful that while we cannot guarantee them work, we are at least willing to try. Usually recruitment agencies look at the middle-to-top end of the employee spectrum, but we take time to talk to the lower end of the spectrum.”
Although projects are relatively short-term, “we simply do the best we can.” Bownes added that while it is difficult to ensure long-term sustainability, it is nevertheless vital to teach people to grasp opportunities; to work well; get good references; and the next bridge is crossed, “with that person feeling more empowered to do so.” Although education is always important, equally important are passion; track record; and attitude. “We encourage people to get to know their qualities; to know what drives them; and to believe in themselves and their worth.”

Support from government has been wide-ranging, she said, citing government’s funding for Athlone, which was later extended to Hermanus and Somerset West. With its main funder - the Department of Social Development - DreamWorker has been funded until March 2011. Other sponsors have become involved by designing the DreamWorker brochure; donating towards print costs; donating furniture; or, in the case of Starke Ayres Nursery, allowing some of the DreamWorker gardeners to attend its training programme at no cost.

Apart from government, anyone can become involved in supporting this initiative by buying a voucher for R100 via the DreamWorker website. “We would also encourage people to think twice about retrenching people, and rather try to keep people working.” DreamWorker is also looking at acquiring sponsorship from corporate organisations as well as government, in order to branch out, or reach those in very poor areas through a mobile unit.

When asked about expansion plans, Bownes said that new efforts to obtain funding are under way to launch DreamWorker in Gauteng. She also said she hopes corporates make use of the NPO’s services during the 2010 FIFA World Cup, for temporary staff.