Tomorrow, 24th August 2016 MEC Debbie Schafer will visit the Youth Focus Project at Northlink College in Parow. The MEC will be conducting a walkabout of the skills academy and will showcase the simulated enterprise store that is fully equipped with merchandise, a cash register, computers and scanners.
One of the biggest challenges we face in education across the country, and also in the Western Cape, is the number of youth dropping out of school before completing matric.
As a result, many learners do not complete Grade 9, which is a requirement for admission into a Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college. They are then left without any formal qualification and their opportunities in life are severely limited.
As a Government we are committed to providing opportunities for our Youth and such are partnering with various organisations to increase access to skills development programmes and training; especially critical skills needed for the growth of our economy.
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) has therefore partnered with the Wholesale and Retail Sector Education and Training Authority (W&RSETA) to form the Youth Focus Project.
This project is a collaboration between the WCED, TVET Colleges and the W&RSETA and offers hope for learners who are at risk of dropping out after repeatedly not been promoted at the end of Grade 9.
Tomorrow MEC Schafer will visit Northlink College to recognise the contribution of W&RSETA to the Youth Focus project over the years as well as interact with the learners who are participating in the programme.
The details are as follows:
Date: Wednesday, 24 August 2016
Venue: Northlink College, Connaught Road, Parow Valley
Time: 12h00
All media are invited to attend.
There will be opportunities for photographs and interviews at each of the visits.
Media enquiries:
Jessica Shelver
E-mail: Jessica.shelver@westerncape.gov.za
