FREE STATE LAUNCHES CHILD AND YOUTH CARE WORK LEARNERSHIP PROGRAMME

By Thoriso Ramakarane

• The Free State Department of Social Development has launched an accredited Child and Youth Care Work (CYCW) Learnership programme, equivalent to NQF Level 5.
• The programme trains 46 departmental officials in Bloemfontein and 50 in the Thabo Mofutsanyana District.
• This initiative ensures compliance, fosters personal development, and enhances the skills of officials in child and youth care.

The Free State Department of Social Development has initiated an induction and orientation programme for the Child and Youth Care Work (CYCW) Learnership, equivalent to NQF Level 5. The programme, held at the Free State Provincial Archives in Bloemfontein, is aimed at enhancing the skills and competencies of departmental officials.

A total of 46 officials from Bloemfontein and 50 from the Thabo Mofutsanyana District are being trained under this programme, in partnership with the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority (HWSETA). This training ensures that officials comply with registration requirements with the relevant professional board and promotes continuous personal and professional development.

The learnership is crucial for preparing officials to address the complex needs of vulnerable children and youth in the province. By completing the programme, officials gain essential skills in areas such as child development and trauma-informed care, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide high-quality support.

The department’s collaboration with HWSETA guarantees that the training meets national standards, thereby enhancing the quality of social services in the Free State. This initiative reflects a commitment to upskilling the workforce and improving care for children and youth.