EPWP Beneficiaries Certified as Site-Specific Guides | Western Cape Government

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EPWP Beneficiaries Certified as Site-Specific Guides

28 November 2013

Eighteen beneficiaries of the Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) at various Western Cape museums were certified as site-specific guides on 25 September 2013. The beneficiaries had successfully completed a course accredited at Level 4 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

The training combined the efforts of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) and affiliated museums to implement the Culture and Heritage Tourism component of the EPWP in the Western Cape. Participants were given practical training in tour guiding and each trainee had to submit a portfolio of evidence. Beneficiaries also successfully completed a compulsory first-aid training course.

DCAS Head of Department Brent Walters said “It is indeed heartening to see the great impact our EPWP project is having on the confidence, energy and life opportunities of the beneficiaries. I am impressed that the EPWP graduates take such pride in their museums and their communities. May they grow from strength to strength. Thank you to all who have made this worthwhile project possible.”

EPWP beneficiary Sophie Lewis of Bredasdorp was delighted. “Receiving the certificate was one of the happiest and proudest moments of my life. The certificate enables me and the others to move from goodness to greatness. As we have proven over the past year, when life gives us the chance to sit or dance, we dance. Thank you to the Department for giving us the chance to dance!”

DCAS Chief Director Cultural Affairs Hannetjie du Preez and Director Museums, Heritage and Geographical Names Services Andrew and were in agreement that the programme provides essential training to site-specific guides at affiliated museums and boosts tourism in the province. They were especially impressed with the enthusiasm and dedication that the participants displayed in their work at the affiliated museums and during their training. DCAS has plans to expand the programme in 2014.

 

Media Enquiries: 

Annerie Pruis-Le Roux
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9730
E-mail: annerie.pruis@westerncape.gov.za