Forty five young people from St Montague Village, Lotus River, Parkwood, Retreat, Steenberg, Vrygrond, Grassy Park and Lavender Hill got an opportunity to acquire various skills through a youth development programme.
They graduated at the end of March from an organisational capacity-building training course hosted by City of Cape Town’s social development and early childhood development department.
The participants completed a five-day training programme and were placed with non-governmental organisations and other civic organisations to implement programmes at schools and in communities through the City’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) for a month.
JP Smith, Mayco member for safety and security, and social services, said it’s a win-win situation.
“Community organisations have paid employees for a four-week period and the candidates gain paid employment and crucial experience which will improve their job prospects in the long-run. I know how
difficult the job market is and
a good reference from an employer goes a long way,” said Mr Smith.
Warren Payne, 29, from Retreat, who has been placed at Retreat NPO Dews of Quietness, said the training has been an eye-opener. He graduated from the organisational capacity-building course and learnt various skills such as how to help children at risk.
“The training was only for a week but I have learned so much. Some of the things we were taught at the training proved to be not just theory but skills we need while working with children or dealing with people. I’ve learnt a lot and I hope it will help me in future to get a permanent vacancy in community upliftment and development, something I am very passionate about,” he said.