EPWP Social Sector

BACKGROUND: EPWP The EPWP Social Sector Plan emanates from programmes implemented by the Departments of Health (DOH), Education (DOE) and Social Development (DSD). The plan provides a framework for two programmes, namely: –Home Community Based Care (HCBC) –Early Childhood Development (ECD). Work opportunities in this sector consist of skills programmes and learnerships. Upon completion of these learnerships, workers will have obtained a formal qualification and work experience in HCBC or ECD.

Key Objectives of the EPWP - SS In the Social Sector, the EPWP further embodies the following inter-related goals: –Service Delivery - expanding access, reach and quality of social services delivered. –Human Capital - ensuring the integration of accredited education, skills formation and transfer; and exposure to work experience. –Social Capital - partnerships with the Not-for-Profit Sector –Development - the EPWP contributes to the strengthening of livelihoods. –Sector-coordinated outcomes - reinforcing the coherence and integration of social sector-wide policies, systems and delivery processes.

Overall Target 150,000 Jobs Achieved 151,000

EPWP Achievements The analysis of the results above shows the following: –The Social Sector achieved its work opportunity target for the first five years ( jobs) –The Sector fell far short in terms of training that was provided to EPWP participants. –Overall targets for women, youth and people with disabilities were 40%, 30% and 2% respectively. –The sector performed well in terms of the first two groups (68% and 35%), but failed to draw poor people with disabilities into the world of work. –In addition to the overall achievements above, substantial progress was also made with regard to service delivery in ECD and HCBC.

EPWP: Impact study Findings In addition to the Mid-term Review, DPW also commissioned cross-sectional and longitudinal studies to evaluate the impact of the EPWP on beneficiaries and communities. Key findings relevant for the sector include: –The sector created more long term employment as compared to other sectors –Approximately 90% of the work opportunities created in the sector have gone to previously under- skilled women. –The majority of beneficiaries expressed positive changes in their quality of lives, including improved access to income and skills –Access to ECD and HCBC services has been increased; however, the quality of these services in certain areas has been unsatisfactory.

EPWP: Impact study Findings In addition to the Mid-term Review, DPW also commissioned cross-sectional and longitudinal studies to evaluate the impact of the EPWP on beneficiaries and communities. Key findings relevant for the sector include: –Although the EPWP did not meet their training targets, the majority beneficiaries who received training believed that the training they received will allow them to access better and longer working opportunities. –The majority of the sector beneficiaries also indicated that the assets created by the EPWP are sustainable and will be maintained. –The sector has potential to scale up the programme to reach more beneficiaries. –The stipend rates varied considerably from province to province, even though the scope of work was similar. These stipends rates were also stagnant and did not increase to keep up with the increasing cost of living and inflation.