The first of its kind in the Post-School Education and Training (PSET) sector in KwaZulu-Natal, the Comfort Room will mark a new national vision for safe, supportive and stigma-free student spaces.
The Comfort Room represents a dedicated, safe and supportive space where students can access initiatives designed to strengthen their overall health, wellbeing and personal development.
Within this space, institutions can provide support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), mental health and wellbeing interventions, peer educator-led support, HIV-related psychosocial support, as well as access to Higher Health’s Civic and Soft Skills learning programmes.
As part of the launch, a high-level panel discussion on Gender-Based Violence will be led by Higher Education Deputy Minister Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube. The discussion will provide an important platform for meaningful dialogue on the prevention of and response to GBV within the PSET sector, while amplifying the voices and lived experiences of students.
The panel will feature senior representatives from the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) and the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), alongside GBV and mental health survivors who have received support through Higher Health, the Majuba TVET College Principal, the College SRC President and other key stakeholders.
The discussion will highlight the importance of creating environments where students feel safe to speak out, seek help and access appropriate support without fear of stigma or discrimination.
The launch will also celebrate the achievements of some of the Majuba TVET College students who recently graduated from the Higher Health Civic and Soft Skills Programme, earning their QCTO-accredited NQF Level 5 certificates.
These students form part of a remarkable cohort of 15,571 students nationwide who were recently issued certificates by the Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO).
The programme seeks to empower young people with essential civic education, life and soft skills, promote active and responsible citizenship, and equip graduates with the critical competencies required to thrive in an evolving world of work.
Through this initiative, Higher Health is strengthening the employability of young South Africans while preparing them to become active, responsible and socially conscious citizens who can contribute meaningfully to their communities and the country’s development.
©Higher Education Media Services.