In the alleviation of poverty, it has become necessary to equip community members with the necessary skills so that they become self -sufficient. An estimated R100 000 was used over the past ten years, training unemployed members of the community in block making, tiling, hairdressing and culinary skills. Individuals were also trained in setting up small business enterprises. The Phoenix Poverty Reduction Association has facilitated the recent opening of a skills development centre in Foresthaven.