Thirty-four graduate from Raymond Ackerman Academy

Ackerman told the students, “Be positive about your country and about your lives. There are many opportunities out there for you. I hope that you leave the academy with the feeling ‘I can really do something'!”

Speaking at the event, Elli Yiannakaris, director of the academy, told the 34 students to remember BP - something of a motto for the class. It stands for Be Professional, Be Punctual, Be Prepared - all things that they need to internalise if they are going to be successful in life, she explained to the audience. “Tonight it stands for Be Proud,” she said. “Because all of you have worked extremely hard to get here and you should be proud of your achievement.”

Launched to build skills

The second guest speaker for the evening was Chris O' Connor, director of social development from the City of Cape Town, which has been one of the Academy's long-standing supporters.

The six-month programme - one of two run by the Academy each year - is an intensive business and life skills training experience for young people between the ages of 18 and 30, covering everything from accountancy to building self confidence.

Ackerman launched the academy in 2005, to help build skills among South Africa's disadvantaged youth and give those who lack the finances, the education or the skills, an opportunity for a first-class education and training programme that will help them reach their potential.

Prize-winners

The ceremony, which provides the academy with an opportunity to thank its many sponsors, friends and volunteers who help with lecturing and tutoring, also recognised and paid tribute to a handful of outstanding students.

• Pamella Jelwane - most personal growth and development during the course;
  
• Angelika Jacobs and Lulama Baliso - academic achievement
  
• Lulama Baliso - business numeracy;
  
• Genevien Wolfaard - best idea and expression book (This is a concept inspired by Ackerman who kept a diary for over 40 years as an effective tool for professional and personal growth)
  
• Luana Zandi Vaveki - best overall student, which carries with it a prize of a laptop donated by the Raymond Ackerman Foundation
  
• David Mashiyi - R7500 Valspar Entrepreneurial Award as the student judged most determined to start and run his own business

Mashiyi has two business ideas. The first is to launch a monitoring system that will be used by motorists and fleet managers to monitor key aspects of a vehicle's performance and the second is a multifunctional reusable bag made of stretch denim jean fabric for retail stores like Pick n Pay. He has big ambitions for the future, saying in his motivation for the prize that his dream is to be an internationally acclaimed entrepreneur.

Yiannakaris said the graduates really personify the success of the academy and hold the torch for the future success of the country. “We know that there are opportunities out there for our students to make a success of their lives. It is our job to give them the skills and aptitude to grab these opportunities with both hands,” she concluded.