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Sage Pathways programme creates opportunities for people living with disabilities

This initiative empowers individuals living with disabilities to enter the workforce through a 12-month internship program.

Johannesburg, 8 August 2023 - Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses, recently hosted a Sage Pathways work readiness event in Soweto, Gauteng. This Sage South African initiative empowers individuals living with disabilities, who are often underrepresented, to enter the workforce through a 12-month internship program.

The Pathways programme furthers Sage's mission to knock down barriers for underserved communities by providing comprehensive training, workplace skills, and unwavering support for those who want to work or reinvent their careers, but may lack the skills, background, and support to do so. Throughout the 12-month internship, participants receive hands-on guidance from dedicated mentors, supplemented by a Sage 'buddy' to facilitate seamless integration into the company's operations. Now in its third year, this event for people with disabilities exemplifies Sage’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive and diverse professional landscape.

Faith Ramusetheli, Transformation Director, Sage Africa and Middle East, says: “Sage Pathways aims to provide equal opportunities to people with disabilities in South Africa. They often face exclusion from professional prospects due to inaccessible conditions, technology shortages, and prejudice. Supporting them through our programme highlights our engaging, creative culture.”

Since 2021, the initiative has had a positive impact. In total, 27 interns were welcomed into Sage South Africa's customer service and finance teams. The programme emphasises comprehensive training and unwavering support, paving the way for diverse careers and a fair, inclusive world.

Kerry Walsh, 2021 intern turned staff member at Sage, says: “The Sage Pathways programme enriched my perspective on business life. Despite facing denials of opportunities due to my disability, I proved that I am capable and can excel just like anyone else.”

Ramusetheli concludes: “Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion empowers all to thrive. The Sage Pathways programme fosters growth by addressing inequality and providing equal opportunities. Through this internship, people with disabilities gain skills, professional networks, and fulfilling careers. The programme will begin in October 2023, with candidates receiving training in Sage products, services, customers, and business.”

For more information about Sage Pathways, visit: Sage Pathways Programme | Sage South Africa.

 


About Sage Foundation

Sage Foundation is supporting this Pathways programme and we take our responsibility to the communities in which we live and work very seriously. Through Sage Foundation we help disadvantaged communities in over 20 countries. We are committed to transforming lives by investing our time, money, expertise and technology to create sustainable social, economic and entrepreneurial opportunities there. When you join Sage, you will receive 5 volunteering days every year to support charities of your choice.

Sage Foundation has been knocking down barriers in our communities since 2015. By mobilising our colleagues, partners, and customers through impactful programmes, Sage Foundation is helping underrepresented entrepreneurs to grow their businesses while equipping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow with the skills they need to succeed.

 


About Sage Group

Sage exists to knock down barriers so everyone can thrive, starting with the millions of small- and mid-sized businesses served by us, our partners and accountants. Customers trust our finance, HR and payroll software to make work and money flow. By digitising business processes and relationships with customers, suppliers, employees, banks and governments, our digital network connects SMBs, removing friction and delivering insights. Knocking down barriers also means we use our time, technology, and experience to tackle digital inequality, economic inequality and the climate crisis. Learn more at www.sage.com.

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