The Minister of Community Safety, Albert Fritz, has concluded the Matriculant Safe Space programme which provided a conflict free environment at Chrysalis Academy, Tokai, to 60 grade 12 learners from schools in Hanover Park. The residential programme took place while leaners prepared for and wrote their 2020 National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations over the period 5 November 2020 to 11 December 2020.
Students participated from schools including in Groenvlei High School, Crystal Secondary School and Mountview High School. Health and safety protocols were put in place to ensure learner and staff safety. Please see video attached.
Minister Fritz said, “The study support programme accommodated learners who were most at-risk of not being able to complete their examinations due to high crime rates and violence in their communities. We also included learners who are experience socio-economic hardship and household or interpersonal challenges.”
Minister Fritz added, “We chose Hanover Park as our pilot project community, because we know that Hanover Park is one of the worst affected communities in terms of violent crime. Throughout 2020, the Philippi East precinct which includes Hanover Park recorded 149 murders. The level of violence plaguing our communities is not conducive to a safe and constructive learning environment.”
The learners received a structured programme for the duration of their stay which included study sessions, additional lessons and tutoring, and career guidance. The facilitators included principals and educators, volunteer tutors, and youth development coaches.
The exposure to nature and recreational activities such as hiking, swimming, sports codes; the Tension and Trauma Release Exercises (TRE); counselling sessions and the overall regimented programme played a part in strengthening participants mentally, emotionally and physically. Upon completing the programme, some learners were inspired to apply to attend the Chrysalis Academy for the 3-month residential programme and to become law enforcement officers.
Minister Fritz continued, “The Chrysalis Academy has been a key safety partner in the execution of the Western Cape Safety Plan. They play an important role in driving youth and school safety initiatives in the priority areas and the study support programme is one such initiative to ensure that learners can complete their examinations safely. In addition, we have received support from Councillor Antonio van der Rheede in ensuring the support and buy-in of school principals. I wish to thank and acknowledge all out partners.”
Minister Fritz continued further, “Now that we have concluded the programme and the learners are returning home, my Department will evaluate the success of the programme. Pending the outcomes of this review and funding available, it will be replicated in future on a broader scale.”
