Delta Environmental Centre (DEC) trained 37 trainers in April after it was appointed one of the training service providers for the Mass Training programme (DMT) of the department of environmental affairs which is part of the department’s Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programmes (EPIP).
DEC will be responsible for Project Management and Training implementation in 7 provinces that will benefit 37 municipalities and 900 previously unemployed young people.
The training project is funded by the department under its EPIP Chief Directorate which contributes to the government’s Expanded Public Works Programme (EPWP) that focusses on poverty alleviation and job creation in the environmental sector.
This year’s project follows on DEC’s successful implementation of the same project last year, with 856 previously unemployed young people benefiting from this intervention when it was implemented in 46 municipalities, including the remote areas of Nongoma (KZN), Ntabankulu (Eastern Cape), Naledi (North West), Makhado (Limpopo) and Kamiesberg (Northern Cape).
“Poverty levels in these areas are high and the project is designed to help alleviate poverty and create job opportunities for the youth. DEC is delighted to be part of the project and appreciate the trust the department placed in us to carry this huge responsibility,” says Malusi Vatsha, CEO of DEC.
The trainees received workplace-based training aimed at contributing to improve the environment of the community through in-service project activities. According to Vatsha, the integration of theory, practical and fundamental workplace skills and the application of learning through in-service project activities is key to ensuring a successful project.
“We need to look after our environment and equip our youth with skills to ensure that South Africa can face the future with confidence. The broad outcomes of the project, are accredited training and workplace-based community service, means that we can create jobs as well as do something meaningful to protect the environment,” Vatsha says.
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