Mid-term evaluation CYDEP program: promising!

During a visit to South Africa from Oct. 17-20, 2024, David Nooitgedagt, chairman of the Dutch HMC Foundation, evaluated the results of several HMC programs. Conclusion: the programs are successful because of the cohesion, involvement and cooperation of all local partners.

The visit started with the presentation of VUT certificates to 24 participants of the HMC Christian Youth Development and Empowerment Program (CYDEP), organized by the Vaal University of Technology (VUT). The ceremony was a festive occasion, where the partners involved also presented their contribution to the program. HMC’s role as owner of the program was highlighted by program director Leon Fourie in a video that showed the coherence of the projects and the dependence on local partners.

During the ceremony, the program’s modules and practical skills were presented, highlighting the positive impact on participants through the combinations of practice and theory in learning hard and soft skills.

David Nooitgedagt addressed the participants, citing the vision and commitment of the Christian entrepreneurs who contributed the original seed capital to HMC.

During the four-day visit, David and local HMC partners visited other training sites, including a sustainable agriculture and livestock site, a media production facility and an IT company that provides stable Internet solutions in Africa. Here, CYDEP participants are trained to develop relevant and practical skills.

On Friday, David gave a training on time management to team leaders, followed by an evaluation of the HMC Christian Travel Program and a discussion of the CYDEP program with Professor W. Grobler of North West University, who monitors the impact of the program for HMC. His evaluation concludes very positive, he emphasized the need to make participants active rather than passively expecting help, and advocated that participants develop business plans. This would help them turn their skills into sustainable projects.

Ivan Slabbert presented updates from the HMC Christian Online Distribution Program (CODP), including innovative tools such as the BrunstadTV BOX and a translation system to make content accessible in Africa. These projects help people access Christian content and information even in areas without stable Internet.

A workshop took place on Saturday with partners HMC, BCC and SCC, discussing the vision of “Plan Africa”. It looked at combining working, learning and promoting Christian values to help young people become proactive and responsible citizens.

David contributed to several meetings and prayer meetings with youth and youth workers who play a role in mentoring CYDEP participants. And the weekend concluded with a Sunday meeting organized by BCC South-Africa, where CYDEP participants participated in the program. The theme focused on walking by the Spirit in freedom and peace, based on biblical texts. The visit ended with a meeting at Tielman and Gertrude Slabbert’s home, where successes and challenges in missionary work were discussed.

The days in South Africa highlighted HMC’s impact and commitment to improving opportunities for young people in Africa, through education, training and collaboration with local communities.