Programme Director,
Hon Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mr Andries Nel,
Vice-Chancellor and the Principal of the University of South Africa, Professor Makhanya,
Vice Principal of the University of the University of South Africa, Dr Qhobela,
Director and Head of Youth Affairs Division, Ms Katherine Ellis,
Regional Director of the Commonwealth Regional Centre for Africa, Mr James Odit,
Members of the Diplomatic Corps,
Member of the academic fraternity,
Youth workers from across various sectors,
Distinguished guests,
Ladies and gentlemen.
Let me first extend our warmest welcome to our beautiful country, South Africa which is Inspiring New Ways. I sincerely hope that your presence in our country will inspire you to come up with new ways of professionalising this important work for our youth. Let me also thank you for choosing to have your conference in our shores. You will indeed experience our warm hospitality, in the spirit of ubuntu and we sincerely hope to inspire you while we equally enjoy your presence in our country.
Of significance we are gathered here at the majestic and largest Open Distance Learning University in our continent and to some extend in the world the University of South Africa. I am sure, ladies and gentlemen you will join me in wishing this remarkable university a Happy 140th Birthday.
Youth work, can be defined as activities that intentionally seek to impact the lives of young people to realise their potential. South Africa’s National Youth Policy defines youth work as: “a field of practice that focuses on the holistic development of a young person,” enabling the realization of youth development via a combination of focused strategies.”
The National Youth Policy stresses that the importance of the professionalisation of youth work cannot be undervalued. Given the huge challenges faced by young people in the country and across the globe, it is important to ensure that anybody who work with young people should be competent and skilled, with the required expertise to effectively address their needs and challenges.
International best practices show that the professionalisation of youth work have many benefits, some of which include:
- strengthened capacity of youth workers to develop and deliver value added youth development services and empowerment
- provision of professional quality services to the youth
- strengthened and sustained networks of governments and civil society
- better overall standards among youth workers, because of access to education and training.
The Commonwealth has over many years, been promoting education and training of youth workers and made this provision in the Plan of Action for Youth Empowerment (PAYE). In addition, there has been support for this process, through provision of the Commonwealth Diploma in Youth Development offered by institutions of higher learning in some of the Commonwealth member governments.
However, it is important to note that, despite progress made, there are still challenges that are worthy of attention, particularly in realisation of professional recognition of youth work. It is important that we come together to share experiences and identify the common challenges as well as solutions to advance youth work practice. These challenges may sometimes look insurmountable, but if they are tackled by a collective, they could be addressed.
Programme Director,
Like many other countries within and outside Commonwealth, South Africa has also been on the road towards professionalising youth work for quite some time. We therefore have lessons to share and we are equally open to learn from the wealth of experiences from our counterparts representing various countries in this conference. We hope that the lessons learnt from this conference, will help deal with pertinent common issues facing youth workers globally.
Let me assure you of South Africa’s commitment towards implementing the outcomes of this conference and we will work with our counterparts for Youth Work Professionalisation globally. At national level, we endeavour to ensure that the full benefits associated with this work are realised. More so that in South Africa, we are now talking about professionalising the public sector. We are indeed making good progress!
I am inspired by the presence of academics in this conference. With this conference centred around Education and Training, your involvement and guidance is most needed. Indeed, if we are to change the world of young people for the better, we need to equally target their service providers.
We need to empower their service providers with the most important tool, namely: Education and Training.” The role of our Institutions of Higher learning is immeasurable in driving the professionalisation process forward.
Therefore this conference is opportune for all of us in the global community to reflect, take stock, check what has not worked in the past, understand the causes and learn from others on how to achieve what is necessary.
The conference proceedings will be a valuable resource that we shall dip into to obtain the correct direction while collaborating with all the stakeholders and moving forward. You have all heeded the call to come and contribute towards enhancing service delivery to the youth by gracing us with your presence at this conference.
I trust that you will have fruitful deliberations whilst enjoying being in South Africa. I also hope that you will find time to explore our country before you return to your respectful countries.
I thank you!
