1,000 Northern Cape women to benefit from education initiative
Female EPWP workers will receive training through a new initiative. Picture: Supplied
ONE THOUSAND Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) beneficiaries in the Northern Cape will be able to complete and further their education through a new initiative.
The MEC for Roads and Public Works, Fufe Makatong, announced that 1,000 women would benefit from the project, a joint initiative between the Department of Roads and Public Works and the Northern Cape Community Education and Training College, a subsidiary of the Department of Higher Education, which was launched last week.
"The college registered 207 students who enrolled to complete their matric, computer studies, early childhood development and sewing. Some of the beneficiaries already participated in the introduction to lessons and completed an end-user computing crash course.” Makatong added.
She stated that the first 300 beneficiaries in the Frances Baard District were “only the beginning“ as the programme would be rolled out to other districts in the near future.
"We are embarking on a groundbreaking journey to train female EPWP participants by giving them a second chance to complete their matric. My dream is to see more than 1,000 of our beneficiaries across the Province participating in this life-changing opportunity,” she said.
Makatong added that the programme offered various education opportunities, including Grade 9 and Adult Basic Education and Training Level 4, for those who were literate but had not completed formal schooling.
“Additionally, a literacy programme is available for women needing foundational education in reading and writing, offering Levels 1, 2, and 3.”
She explained that the training would improve the chances of the beneficiaries finding gainful employment.
"We want to see them absorbed into both government and the private sector. Currently, the minimum educational requirement for Level 2 positions in the department is Grade 9, where many of our beneficiaries do not meet this criterion. This programme will bridge that gap and increase their employability."
Makatong added that the students would be able to attend classes in the afternoon after completing their morning tasks.
"EPWP is task-based, with beneficiaries working in the mornings and finishing by lunchtime. We will provide all the necessary support to ensure they succeed in this invaluable opportunity to complete their matric," she said.
