Minister Blade Nzimande launches National Civic Education and Health Skills Programme, 20 Jul

Minister Nzimande to launch the National Civic Education and Health Skills Programme

The Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande will be launching the National Civic Education and Health Skills Programme. This programme will prepare students for the job market by exposing them to the top 10 soft skills or Graduate Attributes most sought after by employers.

The National Higher Health Civic and Health Skills Programme, accredited at NQF Level 5, makes it the first civic education programme to achieve this level of recognition throughout Africa.

The National Civic Education and Health Skills Programme is developed by HIGHER HEALTH, an agency of the National Department of Education and Training, in collaboration with the Quality Council on Trades and Occupations (QCTO) and the Health and Welfare (HW) SETA.

The programme’s co-curriculum, will run across all PSET institutions in the country, and is designed to address the many personal and social challenges facing the youth today. Modules cover issues related to civic education; gender- based violence, gender diversity and equality; mental health; disability; Comprehensive Sexuality Education; alcohol, substance abuse and addiction, and building resilience in young people; and Climate Change.

The co-curriculum is expected to make a big impact on nation building through its civic education modules that build resilience to the main social and health challenges facing youth today.

HIGHER HEALTH has placed all the content for the Skills qualification, on an online platform that uses artificial intelligence and digital technology, to provide easy access to anyone who has a smartphone or a device, and is built on a Participatory Pedagogy. The content is available in all 11 languages and in sign language. The Co-Curriculum will require the students to do community service through the peer-to-peer approach.

The launch of the Co-Curriculum will be supported by the launch of HIGHER HEALTH’s “Each One Teach Ten” campaign to spread knowledge and skills among youth using 10 000 peer educators located on all university, TVET and CET College campuses.

Minister Nzimande invites members of the media to the launch of the first accredited civic education and health skills programme in Africa, pegged at NQF Level 5.

The event will take place as follows:

Date: 20 July 2023

Time: 10h00 – 12h00

Venue: Tshwane North TVET College, Mamelodi Campus

Enquiries: Ishmael Mnisi 0660378859

Source: Government of South Africa