Minister tours Amy Foundation youth development projects
The Western Cape Social Development Minister, Albert Fritz, paid a courtesy visit to the newly renamed Amy Foundation (formerly Amy Biehl) in Athlone.
The visit is part of the Minister's ongoing campaign to engage community-based groupings and NGOs working in the youth development space, to share ideas and develop partnerships.
The Amy Foundation has been in operation since 1993, and today runs programmes aimed at child and youth development, from the ages of 5 to 35 years old.
The Minister toured three projects under the Foundation's Youth Skills Development Programme;
- The Hospitality programme - which trains young cooks and baristas up to entry-level skill sets, and puts them into employment with hotels, restaurants and other commercial kitchen spaces,
- Beauty & Wellness programme – led by experienced beauticians, learners are trained in wellness techniques, manicure & pedicure treatments, and massage therapy,
- Sewing, Craft & Design – sees learners acquire hard-skills in the cloting, textile and other creative skills areas. Learners create crafts which are sold by the Amy Foundation.
The Department, through the Youth Directorate, will explore ways in which to partner with the Amy Foundation, including possibilities in collaborating in our exciting Youth Café programme.
The Minister will continue to engage with youth organizations, and grow the network of those working together and pooling resources and ideas.
The Department has allocated R17.7-million to youth development initiatives, and works with 27 organizations working in the youth space.
Media enquiries:
Sihle Ngobese
Tel: 021 483 9217
Cell: 076 083 6543
E-mail: Sihle.Ngobese@westerncape.gov.za
