The world and our social media is abuzz with the new Netflix series “Adolescence” as it pulls back the curtain on some of the most pressing issues facing today’s teens. The series offers a raw and unsettling look at how vulnerable young minds are shaped by the online spaces they inhabit, for better or worse. While the show explores a range of influences, including incel culture, toxic masculinity, social isolation, and the relentless pressures of digital life, one of the most significant (and often underestimated) is the role of social media on a child’s developing brain. As parents, caregivers, and professionals working with families, it’s crucial to understand how these platforms impact emotional regulation, self-worth, and attention span. More importantly, we need to consider how we can set healthy boundaries and delay social media use to protect childhood and support long-term well-being.

At Arise, we walk alongside families as they navigate the joys and challenges of raising children in today’s world. One of the growing concerns we see in our work is the impact of early and unsupervised exposure to social media. As an organisation committed to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of children, we believe it’s vital for parents and caregivers to seriously consider waiting before introducing their children to the world of social media. Why? Because social media is not just a fun tool- it’s a powerful, addictive space that our children’s developing brains are not yet equipped to handle.

Emotional Regulation and the Online World
In all of our psychosocial programmes, we often talk about emotional regulation and the ability to manage big feelings, navigate disappointment, handle rejection, and pause before reacting. These are skills, not instincts. They take time, support, and maturity to develop.

Now, think about what we see online every day: people putting out their opinions without the thinking of others, hateful comments, trolling, constant comparisons (wanting the likes and followers), and content that is emotionally overwhelming or even disturbing. A lot of this chaos stems from adults who themselves are struggling to regulate their emotions as well as those who lack empathy and positive self-esteem. Social media becomes a place where people react quickly, harshly, and without empathy- simply because they have not learned to pause and reflect. So if fully grown adults are battling to manage this space well, how much more difficult is it for a 10- or 12-year-old child whose brain is still developing?

The Developing Brain and Why Age Restrictions Matter
There’s a reason most social media platforms set age restrictions. It’s not just about legal compliance – it’s about development. Children and teens are still forming their identity, and their brains are wired for emotional intensity, risk-taking, and peer approval. But they’re not yet wired for impulse control, critical thinking, or considering long-term consequences; all of which are essential for healthy engagement online.

Without these skills, children easily absorb the images and messages they scroll through. And often, they internalise these messages – about what they should look like, how they should act, or whether they’re “enough.” This constant exposure has a very real impact on their self-esteem and mental health.

What Parents Can Do to Protect Their Child’s Developing Brain
In a world where social media is designed to be addictive, delaying and managing a child’s exposure to these platforms is one of the most powerful steps parents can take. Here are some practical ways to set healthy boundaries while fostering emotional and cognitive development:

• Set Digital Boundaries – Children need real-world experiences to develop social skills, creativity, and resilience. Encourage screen-free activities like outdoor play, reading, sports, and hobbies. Prioritize in-person friendships and family time, helping kids build a strong foundation for connection beyond digital validation.
• Introduce Technology Gradually – Instead of handing over a personal smartphone with unlimited access, start with shared family devices. Delay social media as long as possible and opt for safer, age-appropriate platforms when they are ready. Gradual exposure allows children to develop self-regulation skills before navigating the complexities of online spaces.
• Model Healthy Tech Habits – Children mirror the behaviour they see. Parents who set their own boundaries like putting phones away at dinner, limiting screen time before bed, and prioritizing face-to-face conversations will send a powerful message about mindful tech use.
• Use Parental Controls & Keep Open Conversations – Rather than focusing only on restrictions, engage in regular conversations about social media’s risks and rewards. Use parental controls and privacy settings as tools for safety, but also teach children critical thinking skills about online interactions. The goal isn’t just protection, it’s preparing them to make responsible choices when they eventually step into the digital world.

By delaying social media use and guiding children toward healthier relationships with technology, parents can give them the space to develop focus, self-worth, and emotional resilience, without the constant noise of the online world.

It’s Not About Policing — It’s About Protecting
At Arise, we don’t believe in fear-based parenting but we do believe in informed, intentional parenting. We cannot expect our children to carry the responsibility of managing online engagement when social media platforms are intentionally designed to capture attention, evoke strong emotions, and keep users scrolling.

That responsibility falls to us — the adults. It’s up to parents and caregivers to set boundaries, delay access, and guide children in building the internal capacity to one day manage this space well. We must have the hard conversations about online life, and we must create safe, age-appropriate spaces where our children can grow in emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and healthy self-esteem.

That’s why in our programmes especially our Mental Health & Resilience workshop, we talk about emotional regulation, digital wellbeing, healthy boundaries, identity, and self-worth. These aren’t “extras.” They’re essential life tools.

A Call to Families
We know it’s not easy to push against cultural norms — especially when “everyone else” seems to be doing it. But parenting has never been about popularity. It’s about protection, wisdom, and courage.

So we encourage you: wait. Talk to your children. Build their inner world with your family values before handing them a platform that so easily impacts it. You are not holding them back — you are setting them up to thrive.

Let’s raise children who are resilient, grounded, and emotionally secure — both offline and online.

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

At the Cape Town Adoption Conference, we collectively embraced the phrase #dothework as parents. This mantra emerged because we do not want to pathologize children when the responsibility lies with us, particularly as adoptive parents. However, this message isn’t exclusive to adoptive parents—it’s for all parents. Our children’s well-being depends on the foundational tools we provide, which enable them to develop a strong sense of self and purpose.

At Arise, we believe that to truly help children thrive, we must prioritize three key pillars in parenting: attachment, identity, and an understanding of the grief and losses we all experience. These elements are not just about addressing challenges but equipping parents with the tools needed to build healthy relationships with their children—relationships that foster security, belonging, and resilience.

Family Culture: Building the Foundation

Families are meant to be spaces of belonging, safety, and connection. But as parents, we are increasingly challenged by the demands of modern life—technology, busy schedules, financial stress—all of which can strain the home environment. How, then, can we create a family culture that nurtures our children and allows them to thrive?

It starts with us—parents who are willing to do the work. This work involves understanding ourselves and how we engage with our children. It requires intentionality in shaping family culture, which includes how we communicate, how we handle conflict, and how we celebrate or manage discipline. Every family is unique, and this uniqueness, when nurtured, creates a sense of belonging and connection.

Self-Awareness: The Key to Parenting with Intention

For a family culture to truly support a child’s growth, parents must cultivate self-awareness. This is the ability to recognize and understand our own emotions, motivations, and behaviors. By reflecting on how we respond to our children, we gain insight into the role we play in shaping our family dynamics.

One critical aspect of self-awareness is recognizing our triggers. Whether it’s the chaos of a messy house or sibling arguments, understanding what causes us to react in certain ways helps us regulate ourselves and respond more effectively. When we manage our responses, we model emotional regulation for our children and create a calmer, more supportive family environment.

Empathy: The Superpower for Stronger Relationships

Empathy is essential for understanding where our children are coming from. The more self-aware we are, the better equipped we are to empathize with our children’s experiences. This doesn’t mean we always agree with their reactions, but we validate their emotions and help them navigate their feelings in a way that strengthens their identity and emotional well-being.

At Arise, we know that attachment and empathy are crucial for children to feel secure. When parents respond with empathy, children feel seen and understood, which fosters deeper trust and connection. In turn, they develop a healthier sense of self and are more likely to grow into resilient, confident adults.

Grief and Loss: Acknowledge and Understand

All families experience grief and loss, whether it’s the loss of a relationship, a home, or even an expectation of how life was supposed to be. For adoptive families, these themes can be even more pronounced, as children navigate the complex feelings of separation from their birth families and the process of adjusting to new environments. It’s essential that we as parents acknowledge and understand the impact of these experiences—not just on our children, but on ourselves.

At Arise, we work with families to navigate these emotions. By addressing grief and loss, we create space for healing and growth. This work allows children to integrate their experiences into their identity without shame or fear, leading to a stronger sense of belonging.

Creating a Positive Family Culture

A positive family culture is characterized by shared values, open communication, consistency, and fun. When parents do the work of building this culture intentionally, it becomes the foundation for a thriving family environment where children feel safe, supported, and loved.

• Shared Values: These are the guiding principles that help families navigate decisions, challenges, and opportunities. Whether it’s kindness, respect, or learning, having clear family values gives children a framework for understanding themselves and the world around them.
• Open Communication: Trust is built when children know they can come to their parents with their thoughts and feelings, no matter how small or big. Regular check-ins, family meals, and open conversations, without fear of judgment, foster this trust.
• Consistency: Children need stability to feel safe. While life can be unpredictable, consistent values and responses from parents provide the security children need to navigate change and develop resilience.
• Fun: Families are not just about the hard work—fun matters too! Play and shared joy strengthen the bonds between parents and children, creating memories and building a sense of connection that endures through the challenges.

The Impact of Parents Doing the Work

When we as parents do the work—when we engage in self-awareness, empathy, and intentional family culture building—we model for our children that growth is possible, that their feelings matter, and that they belong. We show them that they are valued, and in turn, they develop a positive sense of self and the confidence to face the world.

At Arise, we believe that healthy families are the foundation of healthy communities. By doing the work, we not only nurture our own children but also contribute to the well-being of society as a whole. So let’s commit to doing the work—for our children, for ourselves, and for the future.

Adoption means welcoming not only an innocent child into your lives but also their past experiences, their trauma, and their need for ongoing journey of healing for the rest of their lives.

Why is this understanding so essential?

1. Hearing Adoptee Voices: Every adoptee has a unique narrative. Their voices are crucial in helping us grasp the full impact of adoption. By listening to these stories, we gain valuable insights into their needs and experiences, allowing us to be better parents and a support.
2. Love Alone is Not Enough: While love is a cornerstone of any family, it is not a solution for the complexities that adopted children may face. Adoptive parents are tasked with navigating their child’s pain and trauma, understanding that this journey requires more than affection—it demands patience, empathy, and advocacy.
3. Adopting the Whole Child: Adoption is not just about welcoming a baby; it’s about embracing the entire life that child brings with them. This includes their past, their emotions, and their future needs. Understanding this holistic view ensures a more comprehensive approach to supporting the child. As adoptive parents we are called to bring a heart of openness into our relationships with our children.
4. Community and Church Support: Not everyone is called to adopt, but everyone can support adoptive families in their communities. Churches and community groups play a vital role in providing this support, offering understanding, and fostering environments where adoptive families can thrive.

The Arise Adoption Conference is a chance to be informed, to listen deeply, and to take meaningful steps toward providing a nurturing, permanent home for children. It’s about facing the hard truths of adoption and equipping ourselves to handle them with compassion and understanding.

The Arise Adoption Conference stands out by providing a comprehensive, hands-on approach to the complexities of adoption. Unlike traditional events, our conference brings together a diverse range of experts, including experienced adoptive parents, mental health professionals, and adoptees themselves. This multidisciplinary perspective ensures a well-rounded exploration of adoption, addressing both the emotional and practical aspects.

Our focus on real-life stories and interactive sessions encourages open dialogue and deep understanding. Additionally, the conference is designed not just to inform but to empower participants with actionable strategies for supporting adoptive families and addressing the unique challenges they face. By fostering a supportive community and emphasizing the importance of ongoing education, we aim to make a tangible impact on the adoption journey in South Africa

Join us in Cape Town on September 14th and in Gauteng on October 19th to learn, engage, and make a difference. Together, we can ensure that every child has the chance to grow in a loving and supportive environment.

For more information and to register, go to Quicket or email info@arisefamily.org

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

“There are so many babies that need to be adopted in South Africa.” Is this true? And if so why is there not a lot of adoptions taking place in our country?

In South Africa reference is often made to how hard it is to adopt, or to the 1000’s of children needing care or families. There is no doubt that children found in need of care is a serious social challenge in our country.  However, as Arise we believe that it is vital to know and understand the full context before decisions and conclusions are made. So then where does one start to wade through the facts and myths that permeate conversations in different spaces?

We’ve put together the 7 common myths or assumptions about adoption in South African that come to us either through workshops or conferences; and provided the facts for you.  Hopefully this will help as you navigate adoption related conversations.

1. Myth: There are thousands of children without parents needing to be adopted.

Fact:  South Africa has a population of about 20 million children under the age of 18.  400 000 of these children are identified as being in alternative care – whether foster care or Child and Youth Care centres. However this does not mean that they are adoptable.  Many are in the system and will return to their families when it is safe to do so. Statistics suggest that on average 1 400 adoptions are processed a year and of these, two thirds are kinship or familial adoptions – where the child remains in their biological family. This means we need to recognise that families are in crisis and need help, not that there are thousands of babies in need of permanency.

2. Myth: It is possible to adopt a newborn baby in South Africa.

Fact:  Newborn babies, in terms of South African law, are not adoptable until their biological family have been given the opportunity to change their minds within the 60- or 90-day period.  While the trauma of being separated from their biological family and placed is care is very real, so too is the ethical challenge to ensure that children and prospective adoptive parents are protected. During the period that a biological family has to confirm that they are relinquishing any right to parenting, it is best practice to ensure no undue pressure is put on the biological family and they are free to change their minds. This is the reason for temporary safe care placements between relinquishment and adoption. 

3. Myth: All biological mothers who make an adoption plan do so because they can’t parent their baby/child and if adequate support was given, they would parent their child.

Fact:    Many biological mothers choose adoption for various reasons, such as financial instability, lack of support, or personal circumstances. Providing adequate support can often help them in parenting their child, but a lack of resources or support is not always the sole reason for choosing adoption.  Some mothers or families will cite the need to know that they can care in the long term for a child while others are making a conscious choice that they do not want to be a parent at this point in their lives.

4. Myth: Adoptions are closed in South Africa and the law doesn’t make allowances for any form of contact until the child is 18.

Fact: In South Africa, open adoptions are allowed as long as there is mutual consent from the biological family, adoptive family, and professionals who determine that it is in the best interests of the child. This means that there is no known risk of danger – physical or emotional to the child and that the biological family, adoptee and adoptive family have clear and honest expectations. Open adoptions can provide ongoing communication, without necessarily being about contact between the birth parents and the adoptive family, allowing for a more transparent and connected relationship for the benefit of the child.  This also allows the child to have a connection with their heritage and roots.

5. Myth: The younger a child is when adopted, the less likely there is to be behavioural challenges when they are older.

Fact: While early adoption can have benefits in terms of attachment and bonding, it does not guarantee the absence of behavioural challenges in the future. Things such as exposure to trauma, drugs, alcohol and genetics will influence a child’s developmental trajectory. Regardless of the age at which a child is adopted, there will be tasks that adoptive parents need to be mindful of to support their children as they mature and develop through life.

6. Myth: Culture doesn’t matter. Once a child is yours, you shape everything about that child:

Fact: While adoptive parents play a crucial role in shaping a child’s upbringing and environment, it’s important to acknowledge the child’s constitutional right to their roots and heritage. Culture in the South African context is often linked to racial identity too and while we might wish that the world wasn’t race conscious or that race doesn’t matter, we are reminded daily that it does.  Additionally, developing a positive racial identity requires conscious intent and deliberate action on the part of the adoptive parents.

7. Myth: Children only need to be told their story when they ask.

Fact: Children need their parents to give permission to ask for more information about their story without feeling conflicted about doing so.   This requires that adoptive parents understand that they are custodians of their child’s origin and birth story.  Helping children understand their full story before they enter the teens is critical to supporting their development.

These are only a few of the statements made in wider adoption spaces. There are many more.  As Arise, we believe that every child belongs in a thriving family and should be afforded the opportunity to reach their full potential.  It is why we acknowledge the need to look at family preservation as well as family strengthening, regardless of how families are formed. 

If you have more questions or want to dig deeper into what adoption in South Africa is about, consider accessing our free webinar on Trauma in Adoption as well as exploring other adoption related self-paced courses such as Looking In (a great starting point!).

In the diverse landscape of South Africa, parents often find themselves navigating the intricate balancing act inherent in giving our children freedom and protecting them from harm. For some of us this is harder than for others, depending on our environment, where we live and the landscape (both physical and political) around us. And in the midst of our struggle, our kids seem to be paying the price as they grow. As an NGO committed to supporting families, Arise recognizes the profound impact of environmental factors on child development and how they shape the trajectory of our children’s lives. At the heart of it, is the fundamental human right to safety, yet that is not always the truth for all of us.

Human rights serve as the cornerstone of a just and equitable society. In South Africa, a country with a rich history of overcoming adversity, the struggle for human rights has been central to its narrative. From the fight against apartheid to ongoing efforts to promote social justice, the notion of universal rights forms the bedrock of our collective aspirations. Yet for many families, their basic human rights to water, shelter, education, health and to provide for themselves, continue to be undermined and is inextricably harder to achieve than for others. This impacts all of us, but perhaps our children who are growing up in these unjust environments most of all.

Beyond the confines of legislation and policy, the environment in which children grow up plays a pivotal role in shaping their identities and experiences. Our surroundings encompass not only physical spaces but also cultural, socioeconomic, and familial contexts. From the vibrancy of urban centers to the tranquility of rural landscapes, each environment leaves an indelible mark on the young minds that inhabit them. Yet when you are surrounded by violence, disregard for human life, hunger and abuse; what sort of brains are we building?

Children are not passive recipients of their surroundings; rather, they actively engage with and are influenced by the world around them. Consider the child growing up in a community marked by poverty and social exclusion. Their access to education, healthcare, and basic amenities may be compromised, impeding their ability to realize their full potential. Conversely, a child raised in an environment characterized by inclusivity, support, and opportunity is more likely to thrive and flourish. This past Human Rights Day, let’s consider that perhaps our children are responding to the environments they are being raised in and look towards what we can do to change that.

At the same time, can we recognize the resilience our children already have and help them grow it? Can we teach them practical skills to help them solve the conflicts and problems they face in ways that are respectful but assertive? Can we be the relationship in our child’s life that shows them their inherent worth? Can we show our kids how to advocate for themselves, by advocating for change?

You see, we work with many children at-risk in our most violent communities in Cape Town, and yet, we see the fullness of their story. Not just an angry teenage boy getting involved in drugs and gangs or a young teenage girl falling pregnant. But rather a boy whose life has been tough from the get go-born to a drug addicted mother passed from family member to family member and struggling to fit in and yet, he chooses to come to school. He is a leader among his peers and has the potential to turn risky behaviour to behaviour that helps him flourish. That pregnant teenage girl is a girl who is struggling with low self-esteem and is a young girl who has way too much responsibility at home for a young girl but found love and affection with a young boy who gave her what she so desperately craves. And yet, despite it all she still wants a better life for her and her unborn child. She is so creative, nurturing and has the potential to be the next graphic designer but needs more support.

At Arise, we know as parents, guardians, and caregivers, we play a pivotal role in shaping the environments in which our children grow. By modelling healthy communication, recognizing the inherent rights of our children, treating them with dignity and respect, strengthening our relationship with them and creating as nurturing an environment as we can in our sphere of influence, we create an ecosystem that fosters their holistic development. Moreover, by advocating for policies and practices that prioritize the well-being of children, we pave the way for a more equitable society for future generations.

At Arise, we are committed to empowering parents and caregivers to create environments where children can thrive. Through our programs and initiatives, we strive to deepen relationships, build resilience, nurture strengths, grow problem solving skills and develop a sense of belonging. Part of this is advocating for policies that safeguard the rights of children. By working together, we can build a brighter future for all South African children, where their rights are respected, and their potential is unleashed.

Written by Robyn Jacobs

The common topic of conversation for most families currently is the cost of living- how does one afford groceries, fuel, school fees, clothes? How do we survive when most of the working class is living month-to-month? Life is hard and getting harder. With 55% of South Africans living under the poverty line and 25% of South Africans facing very real food insecurities, implications of these existing challenges can easily appear overwhelming. 

Poverty is more than just a lack of financial resources; it encompasses a web of interconnected issues including limited access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. For families living in poverty, the constant struggle to make ends meet takes a toll on their mental well-being. The stress of not knowing where the next meal will come from or how to afford basic necessities can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness.

Food insecurity exacerbates the challenges faced by vulnerable families, particularly in a world where the cost of living continues to rise. Many households in South Africa struggle to put food on the table, leading to malnutrition and its detrimental effects on physical and mental health, especially among children. The anxiety of going to bed hungry and the shame associated with relying on food aid further compound the psychosocial burden on families.

Migration adds another layer of complexity to the lives of vulnerable families. Whether forced by conflict, economic hardship, or environmental factors, migration disrupts social networks and support systems, leaving families feeling isolated and disconnected. The trauma of leaving behind familiar surroundings, coupled with the uncertainty of the future, can have long-lasting effects on mental health, particularly among children who may struggle to adapt to their new environment.

How then do we respond to this? In the face of these challenges, it is crucial for individuals to come together and support vulnerable families in our communities. While the cost of living may be tough for many of us, there are still meaningful ways we can make a difference.

Firstly, from a place of empathy.  When empathy is the starting point, it shifts stats and numbers back into being ‘real people’.  Rather than 55 % of South Africa, we are able to see this as 30 million people – who each have their own life story, stomach/ stomachs to feed and relationships to navigate while living with very real challenges.   When we see people, in the spirit of Ubuntu, as people who help us become people, it means that we can relate from a place of as a person, this is what might matter to me in this situation? It provokes the question of what we can do practically, where we are, in response to the need.

One of the potential possibilities to influence this in the South African landscape is to explore a universal basic income grant, rather than the existing disparity between different grant provisions – something that February 2024’s podcast explores.   A basic income grant, gives back personal agency, allowing people to make a choice. Policy and its practical implications is one significant way to build a bridge between resourced and vulnerable communities. It’s an election year this year – choosing where to make your cross, is one way you can use your vote to support vulnerable families.

Lastly, choosing a response might involve choosing an organisation that responds to the needs of vulnerable families in your community, or facilitating access to training and support for organisations working with vulnerable families. Choosing a specific focus where you would like to support vulnerable families is one way that we can make a difference in the day to day lives of others.

At Arise we have seen this play out in our family strengthening groups, in our training and consulting spaces where community workers are trained to respond the needs of children and families from a trauma informed and strengths-based approach – which in turn empowers people to make different choices.  We have seen this in primary school children who were at risk of dropping out of school and joining a gang but are now role models in their year; we have seen this in families where the psychosocial support and resilience tools that parents were taught in family strengthening groups enabled them to sign up for skills training with a view to future employment. Two families whose stories look different because of access to resources which empowered different problem-solving skills and thus alternative choices.

On our own we can’t do much to change the very real reality of people suffering under the weight of poverty, however building bridges for vulnerable families in South Africa requires collective action and compassion. Together, let us work towards a future where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Written by the Arise Team.

We are in the second week of schools starting up again, and at the same time we have seen stories of joy this past week as matriculants particularly those who have had to overcome many obstacles celebrate their massive milestones. However, though we can celebrate theses amazing achievements of these learners-we still have to dig deeper into the real reality of education in South Africa.

The reality is that when we dig deeper into the statistics- it truly shows another reality, a reality that if not addressed we will be in serious issues in years to come. When you look at the 82.9% pass rate this year-it does not take into account the high dropout rates– which then unveils that the matric pass rate is far lower compared to other years. That’s because from over 1.2 million learners starting grade 1 in 2012, only 691 000 learners wrote their matric exams.

This is a dire picture and the very reality we see on the ground as Arise. And yet, we know that there is hope in this country and when there is hope this becomes an essential thread for addressing these challenges.

As an NGO, Arise, stands at the forefront of a transformative movement of strengthening families, working alongside resilient school communities to overcome obstacles and break barriers that hinder the pursuit of education for all.

Challenges in South African Schools:

As South Africans we are very aware that schools grapple with multifaceted challenges, from low literacy rates and overwhelmed teachers to high pregnancy rates among students. In areas marked by high violence, the risk of children dropping out of school looms large. Despite these adversities, there are stories of inspiration—principals, leaders, and remarkable teachers going above and beyond to create nurturing learning environments.

This is the hope we hold onto that when we shine a light on these amazing schools then we too can have a ripple effect throughout the country. However, we should not be ignoring the very real realities that educators are struggling with because many educators are also leaving the field as they do not have the support, skills or knowledge to deal with some very serious behaviours and social ills that are affecting them all-making schools not a safe space to be in for both the educators and the learners.

The Call for Support:

Recognizing the commendable efforts of these schools and the amazing principals and educators doing the best they can with what they have, Arise advocates for a collaborative approach to education. The challenges are immense, but the potential for positive change is equally significant.

Arise envisions a partnership model that involves corporates, small businesses, and anyone willing to contribute their resources, expertise, and influence to strengthen schools, not only in mainstream education but also in schools of trade and skills development.

Educators need wellness support not only upskilling on education focused programmes but also on mental health, self-care, medical support and financial support too. When we take care of educators needs  we will be able to retain Our learners and families need the psychosocial educational support starting as young as possible. Psychosocial support is not only counselling or focused on life skills but a place where children and families feel seen, heard and validated but also given practical skills in their context that they can use and see a difference for their lives.

The saying goes, “you can’t teach a hungry child.” But Arise also says, “You can’t teach children in a state of heighten trauma.”

Supporting Alternative Paths:

In underserved communities, education should not be confined to traditional classrooms alone. Arise acknowledges the diverse talents and potential of young people and seeks to support alternative paths to sustainability. The reality is that many of our children should be in alternative education such a school of skills and we believe that resources need to be guided there. Many of our children because of their starting point in life (early exposure to substance abuse in utero to violence in the home etc) their brain has be rewired and their abilities are different to those in a mainstream school.

By fostering partnerships with businesses, we should aim to create opportunities for skill development, empowering youth to sustain themselves through avenues beyond conventional academic pursuits. We need youth that are able to enter the workforce confidentilty no matter what skills and knowledge they have. We need youth that are able to critically think, use initiatives and adapt the changes within the workforce.

Arise’s Inclusive Approach:

An inclusive approach to education should seek to accommodate the diverse needs of all children, regardless of their abilities, backgrounds, or challenges. Creating an inclusive education system requires a multifaceted and proactive strategy. We need to be looking at policy & legislation, ongoing professional development for educators and those involved in the sector, relook at our curriculum, improved facilities and resources (such as all schools should have a library), and most importantly, each child who cannot be in a mainstream school should have an individual education plan on how they will leave ready for the workforce.

Arise is committed to being part a tangible change and impact on South African schools by addressing the root causes of some of these challenges. We believe that we need to increase caregiver involvement for deep impact, recognizing the vital role families play in a child’s educational journey.

Moreover, Arise is dedicated to supporting teachers in understanding continuous trauma, fostering felt safety, and promoting mental health in the classroom. This is because schools become a microcosm of what we see in the outer communities. This is vital on understanding that healthy relationships between educators, learners and caregivers are essential in helping address some of the issues we see. However, this cannot be done without empathy.

Partnerships for Progress:

The partnership model advocated by Arise extends beyond financial contributions. It involves leveraging the expertise and resources of businesses to enhance school infrastructure, provide mentorship programs, and facilitate skills development initiatives. By forging these partnerships, we strive to create a network of support that empowers schools to navigate and overcome the complex challenges they face. The question would be, how are you going to get involved?

Conclusion:

In the pursuit of education for all, Arise believes that all children should be given the opportunity to reach their full potential in a thriving environment. Therefore, we are advocating for collaborative efforts that break down barriers in South African schools. The challenges may be daunting, but the resilience of communities, coupled with strategic partnerships, holds the promise of transformative change. By fostering a shared commitment to education, Arise envisions a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of South Africa’s success. Together, we can build a foundation for a brighter tomorrow!