DESCRIPTION: |
The Chrysalis Academy offers a social crime prevention and upliftment programme targeting "youth at risk". Its aim is to empower young people to take control of their lives and give them the tools to become economically productive and be positive change agents within their communities. This metamorphosis will take them, via intense physical, mental and spiritual development away from a life which could turn to crime and gangsterism, to one with potential for personal growth, financial security and community service. It is a preventative initiative as opposed to a rehabilitation programme. This means that it is geared to developing young adults with assessed potential for growth, rather than solving or attempting to fix existing problems. The target population is young people between the ages of 17 and 22 years old who have attained a minimum educational level of Grade 10 (Standard 8), are presently unemployed and have no criminal record. The programme is currently supported and funded by the Provincial Government. The Academy is situated on the Porter Estate in Tokai. Started in June 2000, each programme accommodates between 100 and 120 students from the Western Cape, who have undergone a rigorous selection process. Participation is entirely voluntary, and free, to all who attend. The programme is divided into 5 phases:
The remaining 4 phases make up the 12 - week programme. During each phase the students will be exposed to extensive physical activity and sport, together with different areas of intellectual and social development. They will acquire skills which can be applied in the job market. The Orientation phase lays the foundation and establishes a disciplined daily routine where neatness and personal hygiene are emphasised. This is coupled with goal setting, motivation, problem solving and communication. The students also cover basic health and nutrition, level one first aid, fire fighting and environmental awareness. They then spend two weeks in the Wilderness phase at Outward Bound, where personal limits are tested, learning much about their strengths and weaknesses, as well as teamwork and the power of nature. Abseiling, kayaking, rock climbing and long hikes are featured in this phase. On returning to Cape Town, the students are allowed visitors for the first time since the start of the course. By this time all are supremely fit, highly motivated and their self confidence is obvious. Most of the smokers will have given up the habit by this time. Under the expert guidance of instructors from Westlake Technical College, students are introduced to the Basic Engineering Skills Training (B.E.S.T) course over the four weeks of the Skills phase.
In 2002 security training, tailoring and catering were added to the curriculum. Sports coaching is introduced during this phase. The final Community phase is the preparation for life in the real world and focuses on business survival skills, an introduction to computers and career guidance. A wide variety of socially acceptable activities are also engaged in such as arts and crafts, singing, chess, and reading. Throughout the programme the students are required to do community work and volunteerism is actively promoted. Affiliation with a community organisation is encouraged while much emphasis is placed on positive community work like school sports coaching, neighbourhood watch patrolling and improving their quality of life at home through greening projects and other clean-up activities. The Graduate Affairs department monitors the progress of graduates for five years after the course and ensures that information regarding any volunteer or work opportunities are communicated as an ongoing service to both graduates and stakeholders. Where 20 or more graduates exist in a particular area, community clubs have been established to assist and support them. Graduates are in great demand with 67% employed by over 70 businesses throughout the Western Cape. Unemployed graduates are absorbed into projects such as Swimsafe and Bambanani and many others run by various Government departments and organisations. |
INSTRUCTIONS: |
The Chrysalis Academy is aimed mainly at young people from disadvantaged communities in the Western Cape between the ages of 17 and 22. If you who want to join the Chrysalis Academy you should:
However, you can still apply if you don't meet these conditions. For example, if you have committed crimes or don't have enough education, you can be allowed in if a government department or an NGO refers you to the Chrysalis Academy, after carefully looking at your application. Also, if you are from outside the Western Cape you can also come to the Academy, but you may have to pay a fee. To apply to go the Chrysalis Academy, you need to fill in an application form and email or fax it to the Chrysalis Academy on 021 712 1075. You can also visit or contact the Chrysalis Academy at: Chrysalis AcademyPorter Estate, Tokai, Cape Town Private Bag X2, Tokai, 7966 Tel: 021 712 1023 Fax: 021 712 1075 admin@chrysalisacademy.org.za |
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GOVERNMENT BODY:
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Department of Community Safety (Provincial Government of the Western Cape) |
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Cape Gateway is a government service aimed primarily at citizens of the Western Cape, providing information on local, provincial and national government |  |