In a proud achievement, 20 students from the Northern Cape recently graduated with Child and Youth Care certificates from Continuing Education for Africa (CEFA) during a ceremony held in Kimberley.
IN A PROUD achievement, 20 students from the Northern Cape recently graduated with Child and Youth Care certificates from Continuing Education for Africa (CEFA) during a ceremony held in Kimberley.
Family and friends travelled from across the Province, including places as far as Springbok, to celebrate this achievement and witness the graduates’ dedication to making a difference in their communities.
Cefa, founded in 2004, has a long-standing reputation as a training provider committed to community upliftment. Operating across South Africa and the rest of Africa, Cefa’s training model emphasises outcome-based learning within communities, offering accredited programmes through the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).
The organisation’s focus is on equipping students with knowledge and practical skills to create lasting impacts, particularly in under-served areas. Cefa’s programmes range from full-time courses in social auxiliary work and community development to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) short courses covering topics like HIV/Aids support, counselling, adult learning, and social work supervision.
Dr Karien Lubbe, Cefa’s chief executive officer, addressed the graduates at the ceremony, commending them on an outstanding 100 percent pass rate.
“You have all shown immense dedication, achieving a level of excellence that surpasses our usual 90 to 95 percent pass rate,” she said.
She extended gratitude to the educators, moderators, and support staff, acknowledging their pivotal role in the students’ journeys.
Lubbe also emphasised the responsibility that now rests with each graduate, urging them to uphold Cefa’s values of respect, empathy, and trust in every interaction with children and youth.
“Each child is unique and deserves a safe space where they feel valued. As newly registered child and youth care professionals, you’ll play a significant role in ensuring their physical and emotional well-being,” she noted.
Karen van Rooyen, an external moderator, delivered an inspiring speech, describing the graduates as “unsung heroes” who have chosen a profession that requires empathy, patience, and dedication.
“Your certificate as a child and youth care worker is more crucial now than ever,” she said. “You are equipped to provide emotional support and essential life skills to young people in your community, creating a safer, more nurturing environment for them.”
The recognition of child and youth care as an official profession on June 30, 2023, has made it mandatory for practitioners to be registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. This milestone adds credibility to the graduates’ qualifications, setting them apart as trained professionals.
Dr Lubbe reminded them of their obligation to uphold the integrity of the field by adhering to a strict code of conduct and championing the values of Cefa in all their professional interactions.
Cefa’s influence in communities extends beyond individual certification; it empowers local residents to become facilitators and mentors, integrating indigenous knowledge and promoting project sustainability. This training model allows students to gain hands-on experience while maintaining their economic independence.
As these new graduates begin their careers, they carry forward Cefa’s vision of building a supportive and inclusive society, a legacy they will strengthen with each young life they touch. Their dedication not only enhances the lives of the Northern Cape’s youth but also contributes to the collective growth of South Africa.
