266 Tshwane community caregivers earn formal child and youth care qualifications

Recent Graduates from Tshwane Reorapetse Serepa, Maena Mabaso, Zanele Nhlapo, Daisy Raphela and Prince Mabuza (left to right).

The Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA) has awarded NQF Level 4 qualifications in Child and Youth Care Work to 266 community caregivers from non-profit organisations in Tshwane.

HWSETA says that the 266 graduates bring to 963 the number of community caregivers across Gauteng who have recently gained formal qualifications through its Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programme.

The RPL programme assesses the knowledge, skills and workplace experience that caregivers have gained outside formal education.

Candidates completed a structured process that included selection, induction, evidence gathering and assessment. They had to demonstrate that their experience and existing competencies met the requirements for the qualification.

HWSETA runs the programme with the Department of Social Development. The authority says it aims to strengthen services provided by funded non-profit organisations.

The Tshwane graduates work for NPOs in the region that receive HWSETA funding.

Poppy Vilakazi, Nompumelelo Nkosi, Mpho Thubakgale celebrate their qualification.

Community caregivers support children, young people and families in communities. Their work includes assisting orphaned and vulnerable children, as well as children and young people in child- and youth-headed households.

The caregivers form part of community-based child-protection and social-development services.

Graduate Charmaine Maile from Jakaranda Children’s House receiving her qualification

HWSETA executive manager for education, training and quality assurance Baakedi Motubatse said that many caregivers had developed significant practical skills without receiving formal qualifications.

“HWSETA funds NPOs working to address a range of social challenges, including HIV/AIDS, child abuse, gender-based violence and femicide, substance abuse and poverty,” Motubatse said.

“Many community caregivers working in these organisations have developed valuable skills through years of practical experience, often without formal qualifications to recognise their capabilities and the outstanding work that they do in our communities.”

Motubatse said the graduation of 963 candidates from more than 240 NPOs across Gauteng marked an important milestone for HWSETA and the social-services sector.

“The graduation also reflects the determination, resilience and hope of the individuals who have worked hard to improve their livelihoods and who have not allowed their circumstances to determine their success,” Motubatse said.

For the 266 Tshwane caregivers, earning this qualification is a major milestone for both their careers and the broader social services sector.