Ukuwela is an isiXhosa word, which means ‘to cross over’. The Ukuwela Program enables employment for learners with disabilities and was launched in 2017.

While still in school learners participate in work readiness groups which prepare them for the world of work. Learners who are in their final year of school are nominated by their Educators to Ukuwela. Nominees are evaluated by an Occupational Therapist to determine their abilities, skills and interests. Job opportunities are sourced within industries which matches the abilities an interests of the Ukuwela candidate. Support is provided by Ukuwela to the employer as well as to the Ukuwela candidate for the first 12 months of their employment. Ukuwela candidates from Carpe Diem School have shown that youth with disabilities can and want to work! During the first five years of Ukuwela, 25 of our learners have accessed job opportunities in the open labour market of whom 10 have been working in their first jobs for more than a year!