Today, the Minister of Social Development in the Western Cape, Albert Fritz, launched the Villiersdorp Youth Café, the 9th in the province. The first Youth Café was opened 4 years ago. Since, each Youth Café has blossomed into a safe innovative space for young people.
As per the Provincial Youth Development Strategy, the Youth Café is tailored to offer services, opportunities and support (SOS) to all young people, including those broadly referred to as “NEETs”, namely young people not in employment, education or training.
Along with a good cup of coffee, the Villiersdorp Youth Café will provide high-speed internet access and computer access to budding entrepreneurs and aspirant job-seekers. In addition, the facility will render opportunities and training in agriculture and tourism.
Each of the 9 Youth Cafés across the Province helps young people take advantage of leadership courses and develop trades. No Youth Café looks the same, but each meets the varied needs of the community’s youth.
MEC Fritz said, “The Villiersdorp Youth Café is the product of a dynamic partnership between my Department and the Theewaterskloof Municipality. It is a very good example of how partnership can bring about the kinds of services, opportunities and support that are so important in the lives of our young people.”
MEC Fritz further added, “While the partnership between Theewaterskloof Municipality and the DSD was only recently formalised, the DSD has been present in Villiersdorp for the past two years working with Violence Prevention through Urban Upgrade (VPUU). This joint effort will enhance youth through skills development and job linking. The DSD has contributed nearly R2 million for youth development over the past two years in the area. This is part of the implementation of the Provincial and Departmental Youth development Strategy to enhance services to the rural youth.”
The Ministry of Social Development in the Western Cape remains committed to creating safe innovative spaces which our youth can be proud of and enjoy.
Attention broadcasters: please see English audio clip below
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dUO0Gs8Qgph-DfIxZ5MLyg4eeszwJkFd/view?usp=sharing
Cayla Ann Tomás Murray
Spokesperson for Minister Albert Fritz
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 064 121 7959
Email: Cayla.mu@gmail.com