WESSA Schools Programme Impact Report 2020

The Namaqua Child and Youth Care Centre

Bergsig, Northern Cape

The Namaqua Child and Youth Care Centre is located in Bergsig, a residential area in the northern part of the town of Springbok. The capital of the Namakwa District and the administrative, commercial, farming and industrial centre, Springbok has a rich history that is closely associated with the copper mining industry. It is the site of the first commercial mining operations in the country, which began during the early 1850s.

personal development, therapeutic intervention, cultural activities, entrepreneurial development, sport and recreation, and finally their reintegration into society. The Centre registered for the Eco- Schools programme through the Department of Environment and Nature Conservation in 2019. Waste was chosen as the theme for 2019 and a recycling anchor project was selected as the main thrust of this theme. It was a moment of celebration to receive the Bronze Certificate for the work done in the first year of the programme! For 2020, the Centre is focusing on water as an overarching theme and is investigating water saving and catchment opportunities and projects to accomplish the objectives of the theme.

the last 10 years, while dealing with troubled youth and assisting them with their reintegration into society. The facility has a unique holistic development strategy based on the child’s right to physical-, cognitive-, emotional-, social- and economic development. These development programmes channel their talents, desires, abilities, and energy, in a positive way. The unique strategy stimulates the child’s/youth’s positive self-image, intellectual ability, sense of social responsibility and physical well- being. Seven development areas are the primary focus, namely: education (intellectual and skills development),

Within the Nama-Khoi Municipality, in the heart of Namaqualand, Springbok is often called the ‘Wild Flower Capital’ because of the wealth of annual mass spring flower displays in the area. The town and general area also boasts a number of other attractions, such as the Anglo- Boer War Graves, Blue Mine, Dutch Reformed Church, Goegap Nature Reserve, Mineshaft, Monument Koppie and the Namaqualand Museum. The Namaqua Child and Youth Care Centre, which was opened in 2009 in Springbok, was previously known as Bosasa – which means “The Future” in Northern Sotho. In November 2019, the institution became a full government facility and was renamed as the Namaqua Child and Youth Care Centre. The Centre was established for children and youth, from the age of 14 to 18, who have been in conflict with the law. The facility has the capacity to accommodate 50 youth members, who are cared for and educated within the confines of the Centre. Many lessons were learned and much experience was gained over

The Department is very proud of the Centre, as they are the first facility of their kind to register for the programme in the province. The teenagers and Centre personnel are doing excellent work and are committed to preserving their natural environment. The staff

and volunteers are always keen to get involved in environmental education initiatives and preserve the natural environment, while at the same time utilise it as an important asset to ensure the youngsters’ development and ultimately their successful reintegration into society.

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