DCAS holiday programmes provide children with safe, enriching spaces

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport piloted a new Christmas Holiday Programme over this past December and January. The programme, backed financially by Provincial Treasury with a budget of R15 million, aimed to engage school-going children and provide opportunities for older youth during this period.

The department initially aimed to engage 7747 learners and to employ 651 youth. The demand from communities was overwhelming and the programme eventually supported 38 127 learners with safe, fun and educational activities, as well as a nutritious meal every day. A total of 657 youth were given employment opportunities during the 15 days of the programme.

The department also partnered with 41 organisations, who in turn provided vouchers or incentives or other forms of support. This programme highlighted the need for after school and holiday activities in communities as they provide much needed safe and engaging spaces for school-going children. Older youth also benefit through getting access to employment opportunities.

Minister Marais said, “In our attempts to address youth unemployment, as well as social ills to create safer communities, it is important that we establish programmes such as these. I am deeply grateful to all the partner organisations who came on board to provide these opportunities. We must ensure that we provide safe spaces for our youth, so that they can be motivated to reach success and stay away from other harmful activities.”

The department has established that there is an ongoing need for programmes such as these and will continue to foster partnerships to ensure we can continue supporting our youth in this way.