The National Department of Social Development (DoSD) will officially handover the professionalisation of youth work process to the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) at the Zebra Country Lodge in Pretoria on 18 February 2011. The NYDA will be represented by Executive Chairperson Andile Lungisa.
The DoSD began working on steps to improve youth work in South Africa with a specific focus on professionalisation of youth work in the country. They hosted various consultative forums with youth practitioners and undertook research on the process of professionalising youth development and are now handing over the process to the NYDA.
Some of the findings of the research by DoSD have identified that youth work is a neglected practice which needs to be regulated and formalised to receive more attention and attract professionals. The outcomes of consultative forums have identified that challenges facing young people in South Africa can be addressed by professionalising youth work, which should include the strengthening of the role played by Academic Institutions.
The process seeks to ensure that youth development as a practice is formalised through a qualification registered with the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA). The NYDA will now be the main driver of an inclusive process that will establish and strengthen partnerships with youth workers, civil society, Higher Education and FET colleges, research institutions, government and the private sector.
Media is invited to the handover as follows:
Date:Friday, 18 February 2011
Time:10h00 to 12h00
Venue: Zebra Country Lodge (Pretoria)
For media enquiries contact:
Siyabonga Magadla
National Youth Development Agency
Cell: 083 686 9016
Email: smagadla@nyda.gov.za
Official handover of professionalisation of youth work
