Youth development going next level

GEORGE NEWS - A job readiness session was held in October at the Inkcubeko Youth and Science Centre in Thembalethu, with the aim of registering jobseekers on the unemployment database of the Department of Labour and Expanded Public Works Programme.

The outreach assisted the youth to apply for available opportunities and offered an information session on CV and compiling an application letter.

A leadership and life skills session was held on invitation with Bricklaying students from the Expanded Public Works Programme. The training session focused on responsible citizenship through leadership, vision creation and stimulating public participation by the youth.

Seven Passes Initiative recently held a training session in Pacaltsdorp for young mothers with children aged between two and nine, and parents of older children did an online information session led by a career guidance counsellor of the Department of Labour. The information session was held to inform parents about the services available.

The municipality arranged for an after-school tennis programme to be held for learners from Pacaltsdorp Primary School on 13 October.

Parent programme with young mothers presented by the Seven Passes Initiative.

A Substance Abuse Awareness Programme was held with the Haarlem community between 12 and 13 October. The programme was facilitated by 4iR/ED Solutions (Pty) Ltd in partnership with the Department of Social Development and the Department of Agriculture.

The need for the programme was identified through a census survey and the Department of Agriculture highlighted Haarlem as a drug abuse hotspot. The aim of the programme was to create awareness around substance abuse, foetal alcohol syndrome (Fas), planning an awareness programme and gender-based violence, and to form a support group.

After-school tennis training at Pacaltsdorp Primary School.

Different members of the community attended the programme, including former and current drug abusers.

An Absa consumer financial education training programme was held in Haarlem at the Help Mekaar hall on 13 October to share useful information skills on finances.

On 14 October, a motivational session was held with the Grade 12 class of Uniondale High School. One of the speakers was the local hero, SA Sevens rugby player Dewald Human. It was held in conjunction with the Department of Social Development. Each learner received a stationery pack from the municipality.

Jonel Kerspuy of the Youth Development Office gives active citizenship training at Eagles Nest Ministries.