Some stories we don’t talk about, some of the work we do at Arise is incredibly hard. There have been times we have cried, stomped our feet, screamed. Why you may ask? Because our systems are failing our children.
In the heart of our communities exists an unseen battlefield, a war zone where our children are the casualties. As the director of Arise, an organization committed to keeping children in thriving families, I witness daily the harsh realities faced by the young people in our communities. This blog aims to shed light on the complexities and challenges that our youth encounter, illustrating the urgent need for comprehensive support systems.
The Fragile Foundations
Many of the children we work with at Arise have been born into environments riddled with violence, substance abuse, and poverty. From their earliest moments, they are thrust into a world of instability and insecurity. Prenatal exposure to substances, coupled with familial violence, creates a foundation fraught with difficulties. These children enter life with significant disadvantages, often carrying the weight of complex trauma before they even take their first steps.
The Education System: A Broken Pillar
The education system, intended to be a pillar of support and growth, often fails these children. Overcrowded classrooms and under-resourced schools are ill-equipped to handle the unique needs of children grappling with continuous trauma. Teachers, overwhelmed and undertrained in dealing with such complexities, struggle to provide the individualized attention and care these children desperately need. As a result, many of our young people fall through the cracks, their potential stifled by an inadequate system.
The Lure of Gangsterism
In the absence of a nurturing home environment and a supportive education system, many young boys turn to gangsterism. The allure of gangs lies in the sense of belonging and purpose they offer – something that these boys often lack in their personal lives. Gangsterism becomes a means of survival, a way to find identity and community in a world that has otherwise marginalized them. This tragic cycle perpetuates violence and further entrenches these youth in a life of crime and danger.
Living in a War Zone
The term “war zone” is not an exaggeration. Our children navigate daily life amidst community violence, witnessing acts that no child should ever see. The constant threat of violence creates an environment of fear and hypervigilance. This perpetual state of alertness impacts their mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and behavioural issues. The trauma they endure is continuous and complex, shaping their development and future prospects.
The Role of Arise
At Arise, we are dedicated to breaking this cycle. Our psychosocial programs aim to address the deep-seated issues these children face. We provide therapeutic interventions for children with severe behavioural problems and support for families struggling with systemic issues. By fostering secure attachments and creating safe spaces for emotional expression, we strive to heal the wounds of trauma and build resilience.
Our work extends beyond the individual child. We engage with families, offering support and education to help them create stable, nurturing home environments. We also advocate for systemic change within the education system, pushing for policies that recognize and address the unique needs of traumatized children.
A Call to Action
The challenges are immense, but so is our commitment. We need the support of the broader community to create meaningful change. Understanding the realities faced by our youth is the first step. Together, we can build a future where every child in South Africa has the opportunity to thrive in a loving, stable family and a supportive educational environment.
Join us in this mission. Stand with Arise as we work to transform the war zones into havens of hope and healing. Our children deserve nothing less.
Written by Danielle Moosajie