The Department of Community Health Studies recently hosted a Stakeholder Supervision Workshop: Orientation and Training for the Supervision of Child and Youth Care Students at the Hotel School.
The workshop brought together key stakeholders who host or mentor Child and Youth Care Work Integrated Learning (WIL) students. It aimed to strengthen collaboration, gather feedback, and enhance the quality of training to ensure students are well prepared for the industry.
Welcoming guests, Head of Department (HOD) Dr. Moeti Kgware extended his appreciation to the guests for availing themselves and outlined the workshop’s purpose.
“Our goal is to produce graduates who are industry ready, display professional conduct in the field, and transition smoothly into the workplace. We rely on your supervision and guidance when our students are with you, and continuous communication is essential to ensure they meet professional standards.” said Dr Kgware.
Dr Kgware emphasised that stakeholder insights are vital for improving academic programmes, enabling the integration of workplace experiences into classroom teaching.
“Your feedback helps us refine our curriculum so that the skills and values students gain in the field directly improve their learning.” he added.
Nontobeko Biyela, a part time lecturer in the department, in her presentation, delved into what is Child and Youth Care work entails, and the overview of level one to four placements and rationale for placements. Student’s placements objectives, learning outcomes and expectations were also presented.
While lecturers Thobile Hlengwa alongside Charlene Singh extensively explored the roles and responsibilities of students, practice lecturers and practice supervisors in supervision, during placement.
Singh also had an open discussion on common challenges in supervision and effective strategies; dealing with ethical dilemmas and students support needs. Additionally, support tools and resources for supervisors were provided and discussed during the open discussion. Singh also chaired the open dialogue and stakeholders’ reflection where everyone exchanged ideas, questions and recommendations.
The event serves as the department’s commitment to extending strong partnerships with industry, ensuring that future child and youth care professionals enter the workplace competent and ready to make a difference.
Child and Youth Care Head of Department (HOD) Dr. Moeti Kgware.
Photographer: DUT Multimedia
Vukani Langa
