Ford Motor Company Brings Innovative Job Training to South Africa

 PEKIN, Ill. – The Ford Motor Company fund has announced that they will be growing their philanthropic branch. With the creation of a new entrepreneurial development center, Ford Motor Company brings innovative job training to South Africa. This development will help around 200 people annually. 

 

Modeled after the original Ford Resource and Engagement Center in Southwest Detroit, the Pretoria, South Africa location aims to create a blend of training packages to prepare students to find jobs after graduating from the Ford Resource and Engagement Center. Career guidance and presentation skill tips will be offered. Courses will be available in financial literacy, business and entrepreneurial skills, vocational, and technical training. This development center marks the first global expansion of Ford’s philanthropic branch.

“Our Ford Better World philosophy is more than just a series of projects – it permeates everything we do as a company,” said Jeff Nemeth, Ford president and CEO, Sub Saharan Africa region. “Social, environmental and economic sustainability are all interlinked and cannot be taken in isolation from one another. We are proud of this investment in our community and, ultimately, our people. Education plays a significant role in our lives and these projects will allow the community to benefit from our contributions to the economy.”

As well as the Ford Resource and Engagement Center in Pretoria, Ford has also made a number of investments and been involved in philanthropic activities across Africa. These include:

·      The Blue Village initiative in Port Elizabeth. Every year employees from the Silverton Ford Assembly Plant help to create new homes in the village of Vastrap. The Blue Village initiative supports education and development.

·      Ford College Community Challenge Program. Student-led community projects in Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, and South Africa benefitted from a $100,000 investment to support the Ford College Community Challenge program. Each project addresses local needs and supports sustainable living and working conditions.

·      Riders for Health delivers medical professionals and supplies across rural areas of Africa. A $75,000 grant allowed extended vehicle management and training to mechanics in order to maintain the vehicles used to deliver medical necessities.

·      Henry Ford Entrepreneurship Academy in Morocco. A $200,000 investment will allow the academy to extend to Saudi Arabia.

·      Ford Volunteer Corps is made up of Ford South Africa employees who have spent over 6,700 hours on community service projects in South Africa.

·      Driving Skills for Life is a program that provides hands-on experience for more than 400 newly licensed students in Saudi Arabia.

Ford is dedicated to its philanthropic efforts both national and globally. Ford Motor Company brings innovative job training to South Africa with the announcement of the new Resource and Engagement center. This news continues the reach of the Ford philanthropic branch, and we’re proud to report such globally relevant topics to our customers on behalf of Ford Motor Company.

If you're also looking to make a difference this summer then stop in to Velde Ford in Pekin, IL! We can get you behind the wheel of a new Ford Fiesta. When it comes to financing we want to help you decide between buying and leasing. Our new Buying vs. Leasing page breaks down the pros and cons of each option. Be sure to check out or How to Buy and How to Lease pages for more information on how each process works. If you're looking to keep your current car or truck running smoothly, be sure to make an appointment online or call (888) 221-2804.

At Velde Ford, we're committed to providing our customers with an unbeatable level of service and a great car buying experience. Stop by the dealership located at 2200 North 8th Street, Pekin, IL 61554 or visit our website: VeldeFordPekin.com for more information.

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