Helping hand for 2019 matrics
Department of Social Development calls on anxious matriculants to visit its Gender-Based Violence Command Centre for support.
The Department of Social Development has opened its Gender-Based Violence Command Centre (GBVCC) to offer support to matriculants who may be anxious about their exam results.
According to Lumka Oliphant, Department of Social Development spokesperson, from the day the results are released, reports of depression and suicide tend to be on the rise.
“We urge matriculants and their parents to make use of the Command Centre to receive counselling and support from trained social workers. We also appeal to parents to look out for any signs of depression expressed by their children so that interventions can be sought early to help the youngsters deal with the outcome of their examinations,” Oliphant said.
The Command Centre can be reached on the toll free number 0800 428 428. Callers can also request a social worker to contact them by dialling *120*7867# (free) from any cell phone.
Oliphant said deaf callers can also interact with the centre using Skype. Just add ‘HELPMEGBV’ to their contacts and a social worker will accept the invite and call them back.
“It is also important to remind candidates who would not have succeeded that the Second Chance Matric Support Programme, by the Department of Basic Education. The programme is available to support learners who will be wishing to use the second opportunity to sit for exams. We encourage learners to register at their schools or district offices,” Oliphant concluded.
