Youth Development is a key priority for the directorate, with departments collaborating on a number of fronts to create opportunities for learning, training and job shadowing.

In one of the latest engagements, City Health visited Westbank Senior Secondary School in Blue Downs to inform learners about its job shadowing programme in the areas of primary healthcare and environmental health.

‘Most people understand that a clinic needs nurses and doctors to function, but there are numerous other roles that are crucial to ensuring a well-functioning primary healthcare sector. Even Environmental Health is a very specialised area and probably not top of mind for many young people when considering a career. Through the job shadowing initiative, we hope to spark an interest that will hopefully lead some of these young people on a path into the public service,’ said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

Learners in Grades 10 to 12 who are interested in job shadowing with City Health can approach their nearest clinic or Environmental Health office for further details.

Just more than a week ago, the City also hosted a certificate ceremony for participants of the ‘Girls Who Code’ training initiative.

Fifty-six young women from Elsies River, Lavender Hill, Sir Lowry’s Pass and Delft received their certificates for completing the five-day course offered by the City’s Social Development and Early Childhood Development Department through the On The Ball College.

The participants were mobilised through the department’s Youth Development transversal database and its area offices.

The course included aspects like the fundamentals of Java programming used to build Android apps, Android building blocks and how to build and publish an app.

‘We are charting a new path by exposing young people to areas and careers that may, until now, have appeared out of reach. Young people are among the biggest users of smart technology, so having a better understanding of the apps that they use on a daily basis will not only improve the user experience, but could very well be the thing they do for a living in the future,’ added Councillor Badroodien.

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