The world feels heavier these days. Economic instability and political tensions have seeped into our daily lives, affecting not just our wallets but our mental well-being. Families across South Africa and beyond are feeling the pressure—parents struggling to make ends meet, caregivers navigating uncertainty, and children absorbing the stress around them.
We live in an age of constant information. Social media bombards us with news, opinions, and crises from every corner of the world. While staying informed is important, this flood of information can make us feel powerless, overwhelmed, and anxious about the future. When families are under pressure, when caregivers are exhausted, and when communities feel fragmented, the impact on children is undeniable. Their sense of safety, stability, and hope is directly tied to the environment they grow up in.
So what can we do? How do we protect families and our children in times like these?
The answer lies in protective factors—the building blocks that help families remain strong, even in difficult times. These protective factors don’t eliminate challenges, but they create stability, support, and resilience in the face of hardship:
• Strong and loving relationships – Children thrive when they know they are loved, valued, and supported. A nurturing relationship with caregivers, extended family, or mentors provides emotional security and a sense of belonging.
• Emotional resilience and coping strategies – Equipping both children and caregivers with tools to manage stress and navigate emotions can make a significant difference. Teaching children how to express themselves and helping adults develop healthy coping mechanisms fosters long-term well-being.
• A sense of community and belonging – Whether through faith groups, supportive neighbours, or organizations like Arise, being part of a larger community provides encouragement, practical assistance, and hope.
• Access to education and opportunities – When children and caregivers can see a future beyond their immediate struggles, they gain motivation to keep moving forward. Education, skill-building, and goal-setting play a crucial role in breaking cycles of hardship.
But all of this requires resilience. And resilience isn’t easy—it’s one of the hardest things we ask of ourselves and the families we walk alongside.
Resilience isn’t about pretending everything is fine. It’s about enduring hardship, adapting, and coming out stronger on the other side. Think of a teabag—you never really know how strong it is until you put it in hot water. The same is true for us. Hardship doesn’t mean we are failing; it means we are being tested, shaped, and strengthened.
At Arise, we see resilience every day. It’s in the grandmother raising her grandchildren after losing her own children, choosing to give them the best life she can. It’s in the single mother working long hours but still showing up for her child’s school meetings. It’s in the families who face impossible circumstances but refuse to give up.
This is why resilience is one of Arise’s core pillars. We believe that when families have the tools to endure, to adapt, and to grow, they create stronger futures—not just for themselves but for their children and their communities.
The Bible gives us a powerful story of resilience in Joseph. Sold into slavery by his own brothers, falsely accused, and imprisoned, Joseph’s journey was filled with hardship. Yet through it all, he remained faithful, persevered, and ultimately rose to a position where he could save his family and his people. His trials refined him, just as our struggles refine us.
Resilience is hard work. It’s painful. It requires sacrifice. But it also builds strength, character, and hope. And in these times of uncertainty, this is where hope lies—in resilience.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, remember this: You are stronger than you know. And just like a teabag in hot water, your strength will become visible when tested. Keep going. Keep holding on. Because resilience is not just about surviving—it’s about growing, overcoming, and finding hope in the process.
With Strength & Hope, Arise Family