GreenMatter Fellowship October Updates

GreenMatter Fellows
GreenMatter Fellowship empowers young people with soft and cross cutting skills that will help them in their professional and personal journey. Twenty-two (22) Water Research Commission (WRC) Fellows have undergone training through the GreenMatter Fellowship. The training was on the following topics:
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  • Personal Finance
Personal Finance subject was critical to help fellows become confident in their personal finances. It also equipped them with tools needed for them to become their own financial independent leader. The fellows learnt about different budgeting methods, credit scores, investing and savings.
 
  • Business Etiquette
Business Etiquette is important to help one be confident when interacting with people. The fellows learnt about making good first impressions, strategic body languages and behavior when attending business events with clients and employees..
  • Speak With Influence
Communication is an essential skill to have in the professional world as it allows to form connections and motivate change. The fellows were equipped with techniques that would help them express themselves confidently. The fellows had to prepare presentations based on a business idea or their project proposal. They presented these to the coaches where they were given detailed feedback in terms of where to improve. The feedback given was on lightings, background, dress coat, the presentation, eye contact, body language and others.
 
  • Emotional Intelligence
The fellows did an SDI (Self-scoring motivational assessment tool) test. They also went through a series of webinars that covered different topics and one on one coaching emotional intelligence coaching. The course equipped the fellows with skills needed to have high levels of emotional intelligence. This was essential to help to create a healthy social and work environment. It can also help in sound decision-making. The fellows learnt how to deal with conflict and understand their triggers.
  • Personal Mastery
The art of mastering oneself is critical and it goes beyond improving your knowledge and skills. It includes mastering every aspect of your life including emotions. The personal mastery session helped the fellows to understand themselves and the world around them better. Personal mastery is one process that helps one to live and work intentionally towards one's vision in alignment with their values. They learn about systematic thinking, being proactive and understanding the mind, body, and spirit.
  • Personal Branding and LinkedIn
Networking is a critical skill to learn as it can help advance one’s career. How one presents themselves is more essential in networking. The fellows were taught how to create a compelling LinkedIn profile and how to market themselves professionally as they are the product.
  • Diversity Training
Diversity and inclusion are vital to create an effective workplace. This session helped the fellows to have a better understanding of diversity and inclusion. Furthermore, they learnt that is vital to be cognizant in their unconscious bias. In addition, they learnt about how inclusion can be approached to add business value.

GreenMatter Public Relations
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Public Relations was done for the GreenMatter Fellowship to enhance its recognition all over South Africa. The Fellowship programme is essential in securing the future of the green economy because it aims to develop talented leaders within the water and biodiversity sector. Below are some of the articles that were written about how the GreenMatter Fellowship plays a role in the green economy.
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Corporate South Africa’s investment in young talent will secure the future of the green economy:  
Economic recovery from COVID-19 relies on the green economy: