Three hundred and sixty-six community caregivers from Ekurhuleni and Sedibeng are graduating today with National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level four credentials in child and youth care work.

The Department of Social Development and the Health and Welfare Sector Education and Training Authority partnered to host the Benoni ceremony recognising years of service to vulnerable children.

“The graduation marks an important milestone in the professionalisation of the community care workforce and recognises the skills, knowledge and experience that community caregivers have acquired through years of serving vulnerable children and families in disadvantaged communities,” the department noted in a statement.

Recognition of prior learning enabled workers from non-profit organisations to convert practical experience into formal academic certification.

Graduates completed rigorous selections and assessments to validate competencies crucial for supporting child- and youth-headed households.