Department launches CYCC worker learnership programme

The Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Albert Fritz, has launched a learnership for 200 employees working in Child & Youth Care Centres (CYCCs).

The CYCCs are a dynamic and enabling space for youth and children who are in conflict with the law or who are experiencing undue hardship from dysfunctional families or abuse. Referrals to CYCCs are facilitated through either the Child Justice Act of 2008 or the Children’s Act of 2005.

The CYCC learnership is designed to improve CYCC staff skills and is the product of our partnership with the Hugenote College. The programme will see 200 participants undergo an accredited 18 month CYCW learnership aimed at bolstering skills. Over the 18 months, 30% of the learning will take place in the classroom and 70% of learning will happen in the workplace.

The 200 learners, employed by the DSD in the Facility Management and Inspections Directorate, will upon successful completion of the CYCC learnership be able to register with the South African Council for Social Service Professions (SACSSP).

Through our partnerships and our whole-of-society approach, the department is committed to continuously improving the skill-sets of all staff, and the quality of services we render.

The CYCC learnership will greatly assist the DSD to comply with the National Norms and Standards as well as the Blue Print on Child and Youth Care Centres in terms of the minimum qualifications for Child and Youth Care Workers.

We can all play our part to protect and empower children in the province if we continue to work, ‘Better Together’.