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Department hosts minister and officials from the Province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment announced today that the Minister of Social Development and a group of senior officials from the Province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa will carry out a study tour in Newfoundland and Labrador from January 17 to January 20. The delegation spent the past week in Nova Scotia. The purpose of the mission, sponsored by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA), is to gather information on a wide range of social programming, from both a policy and practical perspective. The delegation will be led by Mrs. N. Moerane - Mamase, Member of the Executive Council, Department of Social Development, accompanied by senior officials from a variety of areas of responsibility including program delivery, financial control and information technology. They are interested to see how Newfoundland and Labrador delivers social services to all groups including seniors, children, youth, women, and those with particular challenges. The Eastern Cape has over six million people. It is struggling with issues such as HIV/AIDS and low education levels. A significant number of citizens over age 20 have never received any schooling. "I am very pleased that we are able to lend our knowledge and expertise to the people of Eastern Cape, South Africa," said Minister Joan Burke. "Although vastly different in many ways, we do share some common challenges, both economic and social. A significant challenge of course, is the delivery of services to rural and remote areas." The delegation will spend time in both the Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment (HRLE) and Health and Community Services (HCS). Site visits have also been arranged to a number of agencies that deliver front-line services. On Tuesday, the group will spend the day at HRLE offices in Carbonear and will meet with an economic development agency. They will also spend time later throughout the week at the Stella Burry Centre, Choices for Youth and the Independent Living Resource Centre. "I look forward to meeting with the minister from the Eastern Cape and having an opportunity to exchange information. We�ve planned a comprehensive itinerary for the delegation and hope that the time spent with us will be valuable to them as they address the challenges in their province," said Minister Burke. Media contact: Jacquelyn Howard, Communications, (709) 729-4062, 689-2624 2005 01 17 12:10 p.m. |
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