CEFA Skills Development Programmes: 7 Study Options in Social and Community Services

Continuing Education for Africa (CEFA) offers training for people who want to work with children, support individuals and strengthen communities. Its course catalogue includes five occupational certificate programmes and a range of shorter continuing professional development (CPD) workshops. The seven options below include five qualifications and two examples of CPD workshops; they are not seven equivalent qualifications.

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1. Social Auxiliary Worker — NQF Level 5

This occupational certificate is aimed at people interested in supporting social service work. CEFA’s course information describes activities such as facilitating life skills and support groups and assisting with community development processes.

2. Child and Youth Care Worker — NQF Level 5

The Child and Youth Care Worker programme focuses on the care and developmental needs of children and young people. CEFA lists it as an 18-month, 190-credit occupational certificate that combines knowledge, practical skills and workplace experience.

3. Community Development Practitioner — NQF Level 5

Learners in this programme develop skills in community research, profiling, coordination and reporting. CEFA lists the occupational certificate as 18 months and 212 credits, with workplace experience forming part of the training. Its stated entry requirements include Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

4. Community Development Worker — NQF Level 4

This programme covers gathering community information, supporting meetings and helping communities participate in development initiatives. CEFA lists it as a 12-month, 150-credit occupational certificate, with Grade 10 or an equivalent NQF Level 3 qualification among its entry requirements. CEFA currently marks this course “coming soon”, so prospective learners should enquire about intake dates before applying.

5. Social Counselling Worker — NQF Level 5

This programme develops skills in client screening, basic counselling, intervention planning and referrals. CEFA lists it as a 12-month, 143-credit occupational certificate that includes workplace experience. The published entry requirements include Grade 12 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification.

6. Gender Based Violence CPD Workshop

CEFA lists a Gender Based Violence course among its shorter CPD workshops. These workshops are designed for social service professionals seeking to update or deepen their practice, rather than learners seeking a full occupational certificate.

7. Forensic Report Writing CPD Workshop

Forensic Report Writing is another workshop in CEFA’s CPD catalogue. CEFA says its CPD workshops provide learning materials and a certificate on completion. Prospective participants should check the workshop page for its intended audience, dates and enrolment details.

How to apply or enquire

Visit CEFA’s website to choose a course and follow its Apply Now or Enquire Now link. Check the programme’s entry requirements, delivery arrangements, intake status and fees before submitting an application. CEFA lists online learning and scheduled classroom training for its occupational programmes, so applicants should confirm the attendance requirements for their chosen course. For assistance, contact application@cefa.co.za or 021 873 3998.