Certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth at NAMCOL
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Enhancing Childcare in Africa: Certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth at NAMCOL
The Certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth, offered in conjunction with APSSI and the University of KwaZulu Natal, is a highly regarded programme designed to professionalise community-based care for vulnerable populations. This innovative approach is delivered through supported open distance learning in countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. This blog post will provide an overview of the certificate module, its benefits, and admission requirements.
Who can apply for the Certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth at NAMCOL?
The Certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth is ideal for prospective students who wish to work with Children, Families and Communities affected by HIV & AIDS, Conflict, Poverty and Displacement in Africa. It is also suitable for people working with youth, formally and informally, such as Church, Communities, NGO’s, Ministry of Youth, Education, etc.
Programme Content:
The Certificate is an 18-month module, containing 6 modules, each building upon the students’ previous experiences and encouraging the application of learning in practice. The modules include:
- Personal and Professional Development
- Human Rights and Child Protection
- Child and Youth Development
- Care and Support
- Integrated Community Development
- Project
Admission Requirements:
To be eligible for admission, prospective students must have a Grade 12 certificate with 20 points in six subjects and an E symbol in English, or a Grade 10 certificate with 25 points in six subjects and an E symbol in English. They should also have one year relevant working experience or three years of relevant working experience.
Quality Assurance:
The Certificate is academically rigorous and quality assured by the University of KwaZulu Natal. The South African Institute for Distance Education has also assessed the certificate and found it to be an excellent example of a well-designed distance education access programme.
Why is the Certificate Important?
Graduates of the Certificate are professionalising the field of community-based childcare and mainstreaming child protection, psychosocial support, and community mobilisation principles into their work. Many have moved from voluntary positions to paid staff as a result of their qualification. The importance of the module is reflected in the commitment of the mentors and students, some of whom travel long distances to attend group study sessions.
Supporting the Certificate Module:
Government, companies or organizations are invited to provide sponsorship for selected applicants. Organizations working with vulnerable children and youth can also sponsor staff or partners to enroll in the Certificate. This will build your organization’s capacity to provide improved, professionalized services to children.
The Certificate in Community Based Work with Children and Youth offered at NAMCOL is a valuable programme for those seeking to work with vulnerable children and youth in Africa. This certificate equips students with knowledge, skills, and information to study key trends, theories, and approaches in working with vulnerable groups. With the certificate’s academic rigor, supported distance learning, and quality assurance, graduates are well-prepared to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children and youth in Africa.
