Careworkers graduation

In April, 16 of our careworkers celebrated their graduation. All of them passed their exams – a huge success not only for themselves, but for St. Joseph CYCC as a whole.

A couple of years ago, St. Joseph CYCC decided to invest in the education of their employees. All of our careworkers, who are local women without higher education, were asked to participate in a training course to become state certified child care workers. Their studies were paid by our organisation, as none of them could afford the tuition fees by themselves. One week per month a facilitator from Durban came to St. Joseph to do block seminars. In these seminars, the careworkers learned all aspects of child care, for example early child development, psychology, contents of the South African Children’s Act  and practical advice in working with disadvantaged kids. The knowledge from these courses has helped tremedously in the professional development of St. Joseph. “We have invested in the future of our staff, children and the organization as a whole. We have never regretted this decision”, says Center Manager Sr. Assumpta Hadebe.

The graduation in Eshowe was a big day of celebration for the careworkers. Everyone arrived in their graduation gowns and hoods. Close family members were invited to the function, as well as guest speakers who emphasized the  achievements, but also the duties of careworkers in their daily job. “This is more than a job, as I am sure all of you have realized by now. This is a calling”, says Peggy Strachan, founder of the Rainbow Circle, a local organization who supports mothers and their children in abusive relationships. The certificates were handed over by Center Manager Sr. Assumpta and the former principal of local Thembalesizwe Primary School. After singing the national anthem and praying for the continuing success of St. Joseph and its staff, the celebration went on until the late afternoon.

Text & Photos: ds

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *