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RIVERSDALE NEWS - Western Cape Minister of Social Development, Sharna Fernandez, in Riversdale launched the Department of Social Developments' 12th Youth Café, in partnership with the Hessequa Municipality.
The Western Cape Minister of Human Settlements, Tertuis Simmers, Hessequa executive major Councillor Grant Riddles, deputy major Johannes Hartnick, the director of Community Services: Hessequa Municipality as well as Councillor Ben Smith attended the opening in commemoration of Heritage Day on Friday, 24 September.
Ministers Sharna Fernandez and Tertuis Simmers and Councillor Grant Riddles at the opening of the Youth Café in Riversdale. Photo: Henry Snyman
Youth Cafés are an initiative born out of the Provincial Youth Development Strategy, which calls for improving education outcomes and developing crucial skills for employment and opportunities for the youth, mainly focusing on those not in employment, education or training.
It offers young people the opportunity to acquire job readiness skills, gain entrepreneurial insights and training and learn how to access funding opportunities, as well as practical training programmes across various sectors.
"I am mindful of the importance of Youth Development. The importance of such services could not come at a better time, especially as we continue to mitigate the economic effects of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic," said Fernandez.
It was agreed that the Youth Café set-up would proceed as a partnership between the Hessequa Municipality and the Department of Social Development, with each partner contributing the agreed support and funding.
SUFF Development Agency, a registered non-profit company, established in 2009, that focuses on providing skills training, mentorship and tech-driven entrepreneurship programmes to young people, will be charged with the day to day operating of the Youth Café.
The programme targets the most vulnerable youth, with a focus on life and personal skills development, work skills and leadership development, mentoring, internships and informal skills development.
Riddles said the idea of a Youth Café came a long time ago. "When Minister Fernandez took the post of minister of Social Development, I said to her that Hessequa district needed a Youth Café. Together with the local government, we achieved it to take the youth forward.
"I welcome each and every person here today. I am proud to be the mayor of this beautiful and clean town. Enjoy this day with us,'' said executive mayor Grant Riddles.
Two talented young women, Kaylin de Jager and Rezaan Prins, entertained the guests by singing songs.
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