Media Release
Minister of Education Debbie Schäfer
Western Cape

14 December, 2014

Western Cape Government working Better Together for a safer summer.

Joint Statement by Minister Debbie Schäfer, Minister of Education
and Minister Dan Plato, Minister of Community Safety

With 2014 drawing to a close, it is important that we, the whole of society, remain vigilant to ensure our youth remain safe during the school holiday period.

Our combined efforts as Government, civil society organisations, parents and communities at large can help ensure that no children are put at risk during the summer holiday period.

Just as parents have the responsibility to provide for the immediate safety and protection of the children, government has a responsibility to provide for additional opportunities to assist parents in keeping their children safe, entertained and educationally stimulated over this period.

Young people often make unhealthy and risky lifestyle choices because they have limited access to recreational opportunities. This is particularly the case in high crime and gang activity areas.

That is why following Western Cape Government departments will be providing school holiday programmes over the next few weeks:

Community Safety

The Department of Community Safety continues to build effective partnerships towards specific interventions to help create safer communities.

The Youth, Safety and Religion Partnership (YSRP) programme, currently in its 3rd roll out year, is a partnership between the Department of Community Safety and the religious fraternity of the province.

For the December 2014 and January 2015 summer school holiday, the Department of Community Safety has made R5 million available to 114 faith based organisations.

These organisations will reach 17 000 youths in the Western Cape in 50 different communities with programmes and activities focusing on awareness and prevention of drug-abuse, gangsterism, gender-based violence, child trafficking, HIV/Aids as well as provide them with life skills development and practical safety tips.

The different sports, drama and cultural activities, motivational talks and youth development of the YSRP co-produces conditions best suited for youth to feel safer during the Festive Season, to involve youth in positive and constructive activities conducted by the Religious Fraternity, as well as to enhance the level of active citizenship within high risk communities.

The YSRP safety promotion activities will commence on Thursday, 11 December 2014 and run until Tuesday, 20 January 2015 in various communities stretching from the Southern Cape, Klein Karoo, Overberg, Boland, Weskus and Cape Metropole

Activities are primarily targeted for youth between the ages of 14 and 21 given the challenges of crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour that these youth are confronted with. Parents and learners wanting more information can visit the Department's website, www.westerncape.gov.za/dept/community-safety , or by contacting Amelia Pieters (021 483 3971; or via email Amelia.Pieterse@westerncape.gov.za ) or Mansoor Lagkar (021 483 5621; or via email Mansoor.Lagkar@westerncape.gov.za ).

The Department of Community Safety in partnership with Ster Kinekor will be conducting an innovative and interactive educational programme for 2000 youth which focuses on drugs and substance abuse. This programme is on offer at N1 City between 11-15 December, and at the Promenade Mall in Mitchells Plain between 9-15 January. The partnership will give targeted youth from both the metro and rural areas the opportunity to have a full Ster Kinekor 3D film experience, complete with 3D movie glasses, popcorn and cooldrink.

Other departmental initiatives, such as the Further Education and Training (FET) College bursary initiative, Chrysalis Youth Development Programme and Wolwekloof Youth Development Programme receive continuous support from the provincial department with extensive work being done throughout the year in communities to provide better alternatives to our youths, better together.

Education

After a busy and productive school year, thousands of learners and educators from across the province have begun their summer school holidays.

While our learners and educators look forward to a well-deserved break, many of our schools will be buzzing with numerous holiday activities because of the importance of keeping our children safe and occupied during school holidays.

The WCED Safe Schools Directorate has organised a holiday programme for all learners which will be launched on 11th December 2014 across all eight education districts in the Province. Parents and learners wanting more details of the programme can phone 0800 45 46 47 or visit http://www.westerncape.gov.za/general-publication/december-school-holiday-activities. The holiday programme dates vary but some will run until the 16th January 2014.

Once again, a number of stakeholders have come on board to assist us with the various educational and fun activities. The programme includes various government departments, the City of Cape Town, Metro Police, South African Police Service (SAPS), Wectac, Help to Care SA, Imvume Yethu Trading CC, Working Ladies, African Skye, Pivotal and Catiza.

Educational Programmes on offer will cover important topics such as substance abuse, HIV/Aids, sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy seminars, workshops on conflict and drug abuse, peer pressure, leadership and communications courses, as well as debating and reading sessions.

Fun and physical activities include swimming, indigenous games, dog shows, boat trips, soccer and rugby tournaments.

Conclusion

The Western Cape Government believes that the important thing is for our youth to be safe - no matter where they are.

Safety is everyone's responsibility and by working Better Together we can ensure that our children are safe in their communities by accessing safe recreational alternatives and programmes that the provincial government has made available to them.

We therefore call on parents to take responsibility for their children's safety over the holiday period. If they need to work over this period, you must make sure your children are safe and are kept off the streets and in a supervised environment. We therefore encourage all parents to take advantage of our school holiday programmes.


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