Chrysalis Academy – success shows in statistics and value in lives changed | Western Cape Government

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Chrysalis Academy – success shows in statistics and value in lives changed

9 September 2015

Statement by Dan Plato, Western Cape Minister of Community Safety

I congratulate the Chrysalis Academy’s success in developing our youth and in changing their lives for the better. This continues to be reflected in official rewards and the latest statistics. We applaud the value it is adding to the many young lives that have changed for the better.

The Academy was recognised on a national level as it was one of the first recipients of the Gold Ministerial Award offered by the Ministry of Social Development for “Excellence in Youth Development”.

Currently in its 15th year of operation, the Academy saw 600 students selected in 2014/15 from more than 3 780 applications and boasts an impressive 96% pass rate and 88% job placement rate.

All graduates were not only awarded a nine month internship after graduation but also afforded the opportunity to work within their area of interest and build on their skills training. My appreciation goes out to the commitment of placement organisations that continuously avail vacancies for our Chrysalis graduates to gain work experience and have their skills utilised and refined.

These placement organisations include various municipalities, city improvement districts, the Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrade (VPUU), government departments, Cape Nature, the Vineyard hotel and organisations such as Lovelife.

The 2014/15 Annual Report of the Chrysalis Academy proves how it is delivering on their mission to unleash the potential of youth through mental, physical, emotional and spiritual empowerment, enabling them to become positive role models and productive citizens.

The intense 3-month in-residence programme offered by the Academy is structured into individual, but strongly interconnected, phases for graduates including:

  • Orientation phase: including learning and discovery of interpersonal relationships, anger and conflict management, problem solving, leadership and health and nutrition;
  • Outdoor phase: combining physical outdoor activities and application of lessons and skills learnt in orientation;
  • Skills phase: introducing basic, vocational skills to prepare them for entry level work assignments and placements which, for 2014/15, included office administration, public safety, sports coaching, child and youth care, electrical circuitry and computer training; as well as
  • Community and Exit Phase: focusing on work readiness and preparation for integrations back into their communities and homes.

The Western Cape Government salutes, supports and celebrates the Chrysalis Academy for every young life it has touched and changed towards a brighter future.

Media Enquiries: 

Ewald Botha
Spokesperson
Cell: 079 694 1113