W Cape cares for its youth

THE MARCH by the Social Justice Coalition and Equal Education on Thursday has drawn valuable attention to the importance of a multi-sectoral approach to youth development and learner safety.

We can take issue with many of the claims made during the march and on social media. However, the march has provided an opportunity to look at what is being done to address these issues.

The truth is, the Western Cape government has adopted a multi-sectoral approach to dealing with youth safety, youth at risk and youth development.

The provincial government identified youth development as a key strategic objective in its provincial strategic plan for the period 2014 to 2019.

Our five key strategic objectives include improving outcomes and opportunities for youth development.

The departments of education, social development and cultural affairs are collaborating to meet this strategic objective through various programmes, some in conjunction with partners in all sectors.

The provincial government has committed R9.4 billion to a wide range of youth development programmes this year, including:

R706 million for after-school activities at MOD (Mass participation; Opportunity and access; Development and growth) programme centres, youth cafes, youth hubs and youth camps.

R111m for assisting youth at risk, including those exposed to drug abuse and gangsterism.

R274m to improve access to vocational and technical skills.

R353m to improve youth access to broadband and the provincial government’s e-learning platform

R56m to create internship opportunities across departments.

The provincial government has identified after-school activities as a “game changer” that plans to reach nearly 120 000 youth in disadvantaged areas by 2019.

The provincial government has recognised that young people are often left to their own devices in disadvantaged areas with little activities to sport or cultural activities.

The provincial government is fast-tracking a detailed plan to improve access to these activities in disadvantaged areas and other facilities.

The MOD centres also offer improved access to homework support and information technology.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport has established 181 MOD centres at schools across the province. There are 10 MOD centres in Khayelitsha, five at primary schools and five at high schools.

The provincial government’s “year beyond” youth volunteer programme is operating in two primary schools and two high schools in Khayelitsha, with plans to expand.

The programme provides after-school tutoring in languages and maths.

Meanwhile, the Western Cape Education Department has budgeted R30m for the department’s “safe schools” programme this year.

Safe schools officials are working closely with schools and partners in every sector to implement plans to safeguard learners in public schools across the province.

The programme includes security mechanisms, as well as the social environment at schools. We help schools to develop and implement safety plans, and to mobilise community support for schools.

In terms of policy, every school must have a safety committee responsible for implementing a safety plan, assisted by Safe Schools facilitators in every district.

Schools report any incidents that compromise school safety to our safe schools call centre. Staff work with schools and other partners to address any issue.

Officials provide training on school safety and youth development programmes after school and during holidays.

Fieldworkers work with schools and families to re-integrate truants, helping to improve learner retention in schools.

Every school forms part of its community and is affected by challenges facing any community, including the scourge of gangsterism and drugs.

We welcome the participation of youth in dealing with these issues, through campaigns, by setting examples, and by helping to run after-school and related activities.

We adopt a “whole of society” approach to dealing with youth development issues.

This includes working with learners, parents, teachers, school leaders and all people of goodwill who wish to make a difference in the lives of the youth of this province. PADDY ATTWELL Director of communication, Western Cape Education Department