220 more youth upskilled through the Chrysalis Academy
Today, 6 April 2023, 220 young women who hail from every corner of the province, graduated from the Chrysalis Academy.
Minister of Police Oversight and Community Safety, Reagen Allen also delivered the keynote address. “The investment in our young people will always be very important. The manner in which this academy is making a difference in the lives of these young people can never be downplayed. Not only does it impact the individual, but it also brings about a change in their families, which in turn can lead to considerable changes in their communities. They have a responsibility now to take the skills and insights that they have obtained and to not only apply it to themselves, but to influence other young people in their areas, so that they too can make choices that will divert them away from choosing paths that could be detrimental.”
Minister of Social Development, Ms Sharna Fernandez stated: “Here at the Chrysalis Academy, you have been taught to stand in your power, with confidence. I wish that you use this power for good in the spaces you occupy. Be change-makers. If you are going back to homes where there is domestic abuse and violence, for example, I urge you to seek help urgently, whether it be for youself or a relative. There are various avenues where you can access help, through the police or your local Department of Social Development office. Services can also be accessed by calling the Gender-Based Violence Command Centre on 0800 428 428 or by visiting helpformen.co.za.”
During the various phases of the course, students received training in Basic Cookery, Office Administration, Security Training, Peace Officiating and Office Administration. This training is complimented with some personal development and life skills subjects focusing on Personal Mastery, Emotional Intelligence, Leadership, Diversity and Conflict Management.
The purpose of the Chrysalis Academy is to serve as a platform for youth to deepen their resilience and unleash their potential through physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual development, enabling them to be role models and agents of positive change. Following their graduation, all 220 graduates will start their 12-month work placement opportunities at the Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety’s various safety partners.
Graduation day for Chrysalis participants is not only a celebration of successfully completing the programme but also a new lease on life through the opportunities they have already taken hold of and those that await them after graduation. Minister Reagen Allen added: “Given the substantial investment in our graduates, they now have a further role to play in assisting us to create safer communities, particularly since we want to ensure that we halve the murder rate by 50% by 2029.”
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Media Enquiries:
Ishaam Davids
Deputy Director: Communications
Directorate: Strategic Services and Communication
Department of Police Oversight and Community Safety
Western Cape Government
Office: + 27 (0)21 483 6689
Cellphone: 082 941 9434
E-Mail: Ishaam.Davids@westerncape.gov.za