DSD career day inspires vulnerable youth to dream big

On 23 October 2024, the Western Cape Department of Social Development (DSD) hosted a Career Day in partnership with Northlink College at their Belhar campus.

It was organised by the DSD Delft Service Delivery Area for children from the community who are in the foster system, to educate them about the various job and learning opportunities available. This was the second Career Day of this nature, organised by the Delft DSD team.

Last year, many of the children who participated in the Career Day were successfully in various learning programmes.

Several institutions and departments supported this year’s event by having informative exhibitions for the young participants, including:

• Cape Peninsula University of Technology
• City of Cape Town Law Enforcement
• Metro Police
• Gene Louw Traffic College
• Department of Correctional Services
• Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
• Centre for e-Innovation (Department of the Premier)

“One of our strategic priority areas is to increase our partnerships. We decided this year to increase partnerships in areas outside of academics, such as support services. We’ve gone into communities to forge partnerships with entities like DSD and NGOs to enhance the experience of students,” said Sandra Raubenheimer, Deputy Principal of Registration Services at Northlink College.

The young participants were also kept entertained and received lunch and other treats from Northlink College.

One learner said, “Today was so much fun, I learned a lot of new things I didn’t know at first. I have a better idea now of what I want to become one day.”

Another said, “I deal with a lot of problems at home, so it was nice to hear that there are people willing to help us to achieve our dreams. I got information that I didn’t have before, so I’m more motivated now.”

Provincial Minister of Social Development, Jaco Londt, commended the Delft DSD staff for going above and beyond the call of duty.

“They saw the need in the communities they serve, where as soon as a foster child turns 18, they are at risk of falling victim to socioeconomic ills simply because they don’t know about the many opportunities available after school. Instead of letting them slip through the cracks, the social workers and social auxiliary workers worked hard to get stakeholders like Northlink College to invest in the youth that they believe in. Thank you to all the partners who helped DSD to create a day of hope and boundless opportunity,” said Minister Londt.

He continued, “The Career Day was aimed at inspiring these young people to dream big and to work towards a brighter future. This event also showed these young people that they are cared for and supported, and that many people are rooting for them. I hope that today has inspired them to become positive agents of change.”

For more information about DSD’s services for the youth, please visit: https://www.westerncape.gov.za/service/youth-development-programme or visit your nearest local DSD office, or contact the toll-free number 0800 220 250.