Counselling available for matriculants | Western Cape Government

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Counselling available for matriculants

22 February 2021

Completing secondary education, commonly referred to as high school, signifies the transition of an important stage or occasion in an adolescent’s life.

Passing matric is an important milestone for many learners, and exam results play a crucial role in determining a learner’s career-pathway and thus, steers the direction of their future.

“In life, it is unfortunate but true, that not everything goes the way that we would like to expect. This statement holds true in the schooling context too.

A possible disappointing matric result outcome can be difficult for both learners and parents to come to terms with, and the best way forward may not be clear,” said the Western Cape Minister for Social Development, Sharna Fernandez.

“There is no doubt, that a learner’s disappointment about their results, may trigger trauma or other feelings of deep unease. 

It is in this regard, I wish to alert all learners and parents that the provincial Department of Social Development (DSD) offers support to both parents and matriculants in need of counselling services,” continued Minister Fernandez.

The provincial DSD has trained professionals, who are more than willing to assist both learners and parents, who require psycho-social support during what may be a challenging time.

During the period November 2020 to January 2021, the Department with the support of its Non-Profit Organisations (NPO) partners provided psycho-social support services to 32 598 families.

The support being provided includes debriefing, counselling, psychotherapy and cognitive behavioural therapy. 

To mitigate the challenge of accessing psycho-social support services during the Covid-19 pandemic, services are also being made available via telephonic services, to prevent the further spread of the virus.

The public can access our services by visiting any of our regional or local offices closest to them, or by contacting the DSD hotline on 0800 220 250 for information on how to access help.

Media Enquiries: 

Joshua Covenant Chigome

Spokesperson for the Minister of Social Development, Minister Sharna Fernandez

Tel: 021 483 9217

Cell: 083 661 4949

Email: Joshua.chigome@westerncape.gov.za­