On the broader front of education in South Africa, both Ministers Blade Nzimande (Higher Education and Training) and Trevor Manuel (Minister in the Presidency) have made it clear that our educational outcomes are not what we need; an extensive rethink is necessary. In tertiary education there are now opportunities (previously not open) for interlinking approaches between classroom theory and practical engagement; between the application of research development, the boundary pushers of the academic world, the practical applications of the workplace – and the aspirations of seeking a better life for all. 2012 will see us move forward on these fronts; just how far – and to what benefits for whom – we shall see. Clearly (as with the building of Rome) it is not going to happen overnight; serious mental attitude adjustments are needed.

CEFA’s newly owned open plan head office at 47 Bain Street in Wellington is already demonstration the values of good communication teamwork, both internally and with the outside world.

2011 saw the CEFA team developing, crafting and delivering its training programmes, applying them progressively across the Provinces, bringing in the support of funding stakeholders – and turning the key in the lock in its best practice training model of 30% theory to 70% workplace application. Training delivery during the year saw an expanding cross-country network of delivery specialists, in a range of fields, combining in CEFA’s core aim of achieving a better life for all.

CEFA has now launched a programme which makes it possible for individual learners (and not just groups) to obtain the Social Auxiliary Work qualification.  We are thus proud to confirm that registration will take place on the 17^th January 2012. This programme gives learners, especially those in deep rural areas, the opportunity to obtain this much needed qualification. 

In CEFA’s training of Social Auxiliary Workers (SAWs), much has been done to ensure that learners obtain maximum benefit from mentoring and coaching support. The biggest challenge however seems to be the availability of Mentors.  The dedication of Social Worker Mentors is high; more needs to be done to help them in this vital role. CEFA especially wishes to thank our Mentors for the great job they have done with our learners – and for the huge contribution they make to the social service sector of this country.

The two German students from the Evangelische Fachhochschule Bochum, who spent ten weeks with us as interns learning about SAW training, learnt a lot about the difficult living and working conditions within communities. They took home much of value, along with international goodwill.

We have been fortunate to receive donor funding from the private sector, which has made it possible for us to give more learners the opportunity to attain a better life. In particular, we thank Investec, SECO, the Rupert Foundation and the D G Murray Trust (including 10 individuals from the CASE organisation who are being sponsored on 17^th January 2012), businesses and individuals for their contributions. We thank you for your support and we pledge to work even harder to attain a better life for all. 

Underpinning all that CEFA does lies the basic need to communicate with the world at large. Our Newsletters have become a regular monthly feature. The growing number of visitors to our website has shown the growth of interest in what we do and what we offer.

All of us at CEFA wish you a very happy holiday season filled with peace, joy, productivity and prosperity.

Already there is the sound of an increasing tempo in CEFA’s drumbeat. At national level Community Development is on the way up, with CEFA involvement in standards and delivery; (for more detail see our November Newsletter). We are eagerly awaiting the contribution which Dr Margie Maistry will be making.

Learners attending the next SAW training project for individual learners are reminded that they need to be at their respective venues on 17^th January, when theory training will be presented daily from 8:00-16:00.

Moreover, due to an overwhelming response to our advertisements, CEFA has decided to extend its offer to all interested parties to enrol before 16^th January 2012. If you wish to register, please call Rosaline Claasens at 021 8733998 or email rosaline@cefa.co.za.

CEFA has already received applications from interested prospective learners in the regions as indicated below. If you are living in one of these regions and are also interested, you may apply before 16^th January 2012:

North West: Motswedi, Mogale City, Magaliesburg, Klerksdorp, Taung, Limpopo.

Eastern Cape: Port Elizabeth, East London.

Gauteng: Krugersdorp, Randfontein.

Cape Metropole: Fish Hoek, Eerste Rivier, Macassar, Khayelitsha, Firgrove, Strand, Blue Downs, Eerste Rivier, Kraaifontein, Phillipi East, Wynberg.

Cape Winelands: Montagu, Worcester, Ceres, Stellenbosch, Paarl, Malmesbury.

Southern Cape: Plettenberg Bay, Great Brak River, George, Riversdal, Heidelberg, Mossel Bay, Oudtshoorn, Beaufort West.

Overberg District: Caledon, Hermanus, Kleinmond, Bredasdorp, Swellendam.

West Coast: Atlantis, Vredenburg, Vredendal, Darling, Clan William.

We would also like to inform all interested parties that another project will be launched during July 2012. Watch this space for more information.  

CEFA invites all interested parties to scan our webpage for more information regarding our training. You are welcome to phone or email us at 021 8733998, or rosaline@cefa.co.za.  

DL Intake 1: Learners are reminded of their Summative Case Study examination which is due on 16^th January 2012 from 9:00- 13:00. Information on the exam venues has already been sent to you.

Examinations were recently written by learners in the following projects:

TSiBA, DL Intake 1 and 3 and Northern Cape. Congratulations to all the learners who were declared Competent.

We remain, as always, keen to hear from you. Our aim to keep you informed is better served if you tell us what you need. Please send us your ideas, thoughts and suggestions. Our website remains: www.cefa.co.za. We look forward to welcoming you.