NAMIBIAN DELEGATION COMMENDS SOUTH AFRICA’S HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CHILD AND YOUTH CARE

By Lucky Thebe

• Namibia’s Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare concluded a knowledge-sharing visit to South Africa, aimed at learning best practices in child and youth care.
• During the visit, the Namibian delegation gained insights into the comprehensive care approaches at the Desmond Tutu Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Pretoria North, which provides holistic support to vulnerable children.
• This visit not only strengthened ties between the two nations but also opened the door for further collaboration, with Namibia expressing interest in formalising cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding.

“We cannot thank you enough. It wasn’t easy for us to come here, but it has been worth every bit of our money and time,” said Ms Rosida Pelema, Deputy Director for Child Care and Protection Services and Head of Delegation, as Namibia’s Ministry of Gender Equality, Poverty Eradication, and Social Welfare concluded its knowledge-sharing visit to South Africa. The delegation wrapped up their insightful tour with a stop at the Desmond Tutu Child and Youth Care Centre (CYCC) in Pretoria North, gaining first-hand insight into best practices in child and youth care, as well as social auxiliary work within a facility setting.

Pelema highlighted the value of the visit, noting that despite its brevity, the exchange provided a comprehensive view of how South Africa addresses the needs of vulnerable children. “This trip has taught us so much, and from here on, I’m not saying we won’t be back. If we manage to secure additional funding, we may return for a follow-up visit to focus on specific areas in greater depth,” she shared, reflecting on the wealth of information covered in such a short time.

During a presentation by Ms Nompumelelo Luthuli, Head of the Desmond Tutu CYCC, the Namibian officials learned about the centre’s holistic approach to child and youth care. “Our programmes aim to address the physical, emotional, psychological, social, and medical needs of the children. These initiatives help them understand their challenges and equip them with vital coping skills to prepare for reintegration into their communities,” Luthuli explained. Established in the 1950s and initially known as Glendillen Place of Safety, the CYCC has since evolved into a temporary residential facility supporting up to 90 children aged 3 to 18.

Through a multidisciplinary team of social workers, child and youth care workers, auxiliary nurses, and specialised staff, the CYCC provides a range of therapeutic, medical, and developmental programmes tailored to the children’s needs. This includes life skills training, behaviour modification, anger and conflict management, and health education initiatives on topics like HIV/AIDS and hygiene.

The Namibian delegation’s visit underscores a shared commitment to strengthening child care practices across borders. Pelema’s closing remarks reflected an interest in further collaboration, specifically referencing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) discussed during their meetings. “We would like to know more about the MOU,” she added. “It would be helpful to review it so we can identify any areas for potential amendment or enhancement on our side.”

This visit illustrates the growing partnership between South Africa and Namibia in advancing social welfare practices, with both countries keen to adopt and refine systems to better serve vulnerable youth. Insights gained from Desmond Tutu CYCC’s programmes and operations will undoubtedly inform Namibia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen child and youth care services.