Madi van Schalkwyk is the founder of A StrangerKind (ASK) and director of A Kind Agency. She shared how the idea for A StrangerKind emerged from recognizing how little people truly know about one another — and how difficult it can be to approach a stranger and start a meaningful conversation.
The Concept Behind A StrangerKind
At A StrangerKind events, Madi and her team provide curated lists of topics that participants can choose from to help spark conversation. The intention is to create a structured yet open space where strangers can connect more easily and authentically.
Through these interactions, Madi discovered that engaging deeply with strangers strengthened her ability to ask more thoughtful questions of the people closest to her — including friends and family. She highlights how familiarity often leads to assumptions, rather than curiosity. By asking about a parent's childhood, their first pet, or the experiences that shaped their views, conversations can become more meaningful and layered. Showing up fully in dialogue with strangers, she explains, has transformed how she approaches conversations in her own life.
Impact in Educational Spaces
A StrangerKind has also been brought to universities, where the impact on students has been significant. Students gain new perspectives on their professors, seeing them as multidimensional individuals rather than solely authority figures. This shift often changes the overall educational experience.
Madi emphasizes that people are inherently willing to share their stories and lived experiences when given the opportunity, and that these exchanges foster genuine human connection.
Addressing Skepticism
For those skeptical about the impact of structured conversations with strangers, Madi encourages attending an event firsthand. She recounts moments where individuals who appeared to have little in common discovered unexpected shared ground — perhaps a favorite childhood meal or a beloved song — and soon found themselves connecting with ease. A 45-minute conversation, she notes, can influence someone's perspective, interests, communication style, or even how they manage stress. The ripple effects can be profound.
Across hundreds of events, one question has stood out as particularly powerful: "What question do you wish someone would ask you?" This simple inquiry often unlocks deeply personal reflections and provides rare insight into another person's inner world.
Broad Reach
Madi's work spans grassroots organizations and global institutions such as Google and the International Monetary Fund. Whether in community spaces or corporate boardrooms, she observes that the need for meaningful human connection remains the same.
In a time marked by polarization and isolation, her work continues to create spaces for empathy, understanding, and authentic dialogue.
To learn more about A StrangerKind, contact Madi at +27 82 926 1012 or visit
In a world that still struggles to fully
embrace gender diversity, conversations like these are not just important —
they are necessary. I recently had the privilege of speaking with Melody
Sahiri, the Community Engagement Manager at Gender Dynamics, South Africa’s
pioneering organisation dedicated solely to supporting transgender and
gender-diverse communities.
As the first Africa-based registered
public benefit organisation focusing exclusively on trans and gender-diverse
people, Gender Dynamics has grown from a grassroots vision into a cornerstone
of the trans movement across Southern Africa. Their work spans advocacy, policy
accountability, community support, and human rights documentation — ensuring
that constitutional promises don’t remain just words on paper.
A Personal Journey of Identity
During our conversation, Melody shared
her deeply personal journey — one that many transgender people can relate to.
She recalls knowing, from as early as six or seven-years-old, that the body she
was born into did not align with who she truly was.
At that time, there was no language to
describe being transgender. Gender identity and sexual orientation were often
conflated, and anyone who did not conform to societal norms was simply labelled
as “gay.” Melody explained how this lack of understanding forced her — and many
others — to adopt terminology that never fully fit.
This confusion highlights a reality many
LGBTQIA+ individuals face: knowing something feels “off” long before having the
words, safety, or permission to explore that truth.
PICTURE: Melody Saherrie with host, Jasnine Roberts
Gender Identity vs Sexual Orientation:
Clearing the Confusion
One of the most critical parts of our
discussion focused on education. Melody broke down concepts that are still
widely misunderstood:
·Sexual orientation
refers to who you are attracted to.
·Gender identity is
about who you are.
·Gender expression
is how you present yourself to the world.
·Sex characteristics
relate to intersex variations.
Being transgender does not mean someone
is gay. Melody herself is a heterosexual transgender woman. Likewise, being
transgender does not mean someone is “in drag.” Dressing in alignment with
one’s gender identity is not performance — it is affirmation.
These misconceptions, especially among
older generations, continue to fuel stigma, discomfort, and rejection.
How Gender Dynamics Is Making a
Difference
Gender Dynamics plays a crucial role in
bridging these gaps. One of their key initiatives, the Altemba Project,
operates across five provinces and focuses on:
·Documenting human
rights violations
·Providing emergency
response and referrals
·Supporting individuals
facing violence, rejection, or discrimination
·Facilitating
community dialogues and education
They also offer sensitisation training
for schools, organisations, and institutions, helping to create safer, more
inclusive environments for everyone.
Through their social media platforms —
including YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok — Gender Dynamics shares accessible,
educational content that explains gender diversity in simple, relatable terms,
making it easier for parents, elders, and communities to understand.
A Call to Compassion and Courage
If there is one message to take away from
this conversation, it is this: visibility matters, education matters, and
empathy saves lives.
Being transgender or LGBTQIA+ is not a
threat to society. What is harmful is silence, ignorance, and the refusal to
listen.
As a nation that proudly calls itself the
Rainbow Nation, we must do more than celebrate diversity in theory. We must
practice it — in our homes, our schools, our churches, our healthcare systems,
and our everyday interactions.
Lenacapavir is a long-acting injectable option that could
significantly shift how people protect themselves against HIV.
Joining the conversation were representatives from the Desmond Tutu
Health Foundation: Mbali Jonas, Marketing and Communications Coordinator;
Nombeko Mpongo and Thando Wonxie, Media Liaison Officers.
Together, they unpacked what Lenacapavir is, how it works, and why it
matters for communities across the country.
What Is Lenacapavir?
Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention injection taken twice a
year. According to Mbali Jonas, it offers protection against HIV infection
without the need to take a daily pill.
This innovation builds on years of HIV prevention efforts in South
Africa. Since 2016, oral PrEP (pre-exposure prophylaxis) has been available
nationwide. Over time, newer prevention options such as injectable PrEP and the
dipivefrine ring were introduced through implementation science projects like
FAST PrEP.
Lenacapavir now expands these choices even further, with plans for
national availability, not just limited research settings.
Choice, Not Replacement
A key message from the discussion was clear: Lenacapavir does not
replace oral PrEP. Instead, it adds another option. Mbali compared HIV
prevention to contraception. Some people prefer daily oral contraceptives,
while others choose injections or implants. HIV prevention works the same way. If
daily oral PrEP fits your lifestyle, it remains a great option. If you prefer
something discreet that doesn’t require daily adherence, Lenacapavir may work
better. The goal is choice—allowing individuals to select what best suits their
lives.
Prevention vs Treatment: What’s the Difference?
Thando Wonxie explained the distinction simply:
‘’HIV treatment is lifelong for people living with HIV. HIV prevention
is for people who are HIV-negative and want to stay that way. Lenacapavir, in
this context, is currently focused on prevention. While studies are underway
exploring its use in HIV treatment, those findings are not yet publicly
available.’’
PICTURED - representatives from the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation: From left - Mbali Jonas, Marketing and Communications Coordinator; Thando Wonxie and Nombeko Mpongo, Media Liaison Officers.
What Could This Mean for South Africa?
South Africa carries one of the highest HIV burdens in the world,
making new prevention tools critically important.
Nombeko Mpongo described Lenacapavir as a bridge between HIV infection
and hope. Because it is taken only twice a year, it could be especially
beneficial for people in rural areas, learners, and those who struggle to
access clinics regularly.
For example, someone could receive an injection during school holidays
in January and June, reducing disruptions to education and daily life.
“This is hope,” Nombeko said. “It tells us we’ve survived so much—and
now we have solutions.”
What About Resistance and Long-Term Use?
The panel reassured listeners that there are no major concerns about
resistance when Lenacapavir is used correctly. Importantly, prevention is a
choice—if someone is no longer sexually active, they can stop using it.
While NGOs like the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation play a key role,
the panel stressed that communities must also advocate for themselves.
People need information before they can demand better services. By
engaging clinics, NGOs, and local leaders, communities can push for access to
prevention, family planning, and education—especially in remote areas.
How to Get in Touch
You can reach the Desmond Tutu Health Foundation / FAST PrEP Study
via:
Social media: @fastprepstudy (all platforms)
WhatsApp: 076 726 1950
They also operate mobile clinics, including a stationed clinic in
Philippi Village, with services available Monday to Friday, 10:00–16:00. Weekly
schedules are shared online.
While the
start of a new academic year is often portrayed as an exciting fresh start, for
many children, it brings overwhelming feelings of fear, worry, and distress. For
some, this anxiety is not just about school—it can be deeply connected to
childhood trauma and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
To better
understand this issue, we spoke with Chanel Andrews, Social Work Manager at
Cape Mental Health, an organisation dedicated to supporting the mental wellness
of children and families across the Western Cape. With extensive experience
working closely with high school learners, Chanel offers valuable insight into
why school-related anxiety occurs, how to recognise the warning signs, and what
parents, teachers, and caregivers can do to help.
The Work of Cape Mental Health
Cape Mental
Health provides services to schools across several areas, including the
Northern and Southern Suburbs. Their work focuses on counselling learners,
facilitating group sessions, and engaging in broader community and parental
support initiatives. They also collaborate with universities and other
stakeholders to ensure learners receive holistic care.
A key focus
of their school-based programmes is addressing the mental health challenges
faced by high school learners, particularly during times of transition and
increased academic pressure.
SUPPLIED: CMH
Why Does Going Back to School Cause Anxiety?
For many
children, every new school year brings new challenges. According to Chanel,
some of the most common causes of back-to-school anxiety include:
·Fear of underperforming academically, especially when moving into a
higher grade
·Starting high school, particularly for Grade 8 learners adjusting to a
new environment
·Difficulty making new friends or fitting in socially
·Pressure of matric, where learners feel the weight of expectations
from parents and themselves
These
pressures can feel overwhelming, particularly for learners who are already
vulnerable or who have experienced trauma.
Subtle Signs of School-Related Anxiety
Not all
children openly express how they feel. Anxiety often shows up in subtle
behavioural changes that can easily be missed. Some warning signs include:
·Ongoing fatigue or low energy
·Withdrawal from friends or family
·Loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed
·Declining academic performance
·Increased irritability or emotional sensitivity
Chanel
emphasises the importance of parents and caregivers staying emotionally attuned
to their children. Even small changes, when persistent, may signal deeper
distress.
How Schools and Teachers Can Help
In
overcrowded classrooms, it can be difficult for teachers to give individual
attention to every learner. However, schools can still play a crucial role in
reducing anxiety by:
·Creating open lines of communication with learners
·Ensuring educators know the referral pathways for counselling support
·Working closely with mental health organisations in their communities
·Establishing first-response support systems within the school
When
teachers understand how and when to refer a learner for additional support,
early intervention becomes far more effective.
When Anxiety Is Linked to Trauma or PTSD
School-related
anxiety can sometimes be connected to deeper trauma, including PTSD. In these
cases, proper screening and assessment are essential. Learners may be referred
to school psychologists, clinics, or mental health professionals to determine
the root cause of their distress and ensure appropriate support is provided.
When Should
Parents Seek Professional Help?
Parents
should consider seeking professional help if they notice:
·Persistent behavioural changes
·Signs of self-harm or talk of hopelessness
·Strong resistance or refusal to attend school
·Ongoing negative thought patterns or lack of motivation
Listening
to your child and taking their concerns seriously can make a critical
difference in their recovery and well-being.
The
Long-Term Impact of Unresolved Anxiety
If left
unaddressed, anxiety and trauma can have lasting effects on a child’s academic
performance, social development, and overall mental health. Early support not
only helps children cope in the present but also strengthens their emotional
resilience for the future.
Where to Get Help
Cape Mental
Health offers professional support for children and families navigating mental
health challenges. Parents and caregivers can contact their Observatory office
on 021 447 9040 or email info@cmh.org.za
More
information is also available via their social media platforms by searching
Cape Mental Health.
Back-to-school
anxiety is more than just nerves—it is a call for awareness, understanding, and
compassion. By recognising the signs early and working together, families,
schools, and communities can help create safer, supportive environments where
children can truly thrive.
The Sweet
Life Diabetes Community is Africa’s largest online diabetes platform and a
registered non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering people living with
diabetes. Through education, advocacy, and connection, Sweet Life continues to
change the way South Africans understand and manage this chronic condition.
At the
heart of this work is Shiara Pillay, Project Manager at Sweet Life, whose
journey combines professional expertise with deeply personal experience. With
an Honours degree in Development Studies and more than two decades of living
with type 1 diabetes, Shiara brings authenticity, empathy, and insight to
everything she does.
COURTESY: Facebook - South Africans With Diabetes
We explore
her story, her work, and her vision for a future where diabetes in South Africa
is better understood, better managed, and free from stigma.
A Life-Changing Diagnosis
Shiara was
diagnosed with type 1 diabetes just before her 10th birthday—over 20 years ago.
“It was
overwhelming,” she recalls. “There was so much information I didn’t know and had
to learn very quickly—new ways of eating, thinking, and living.”
At such a
young age, her family played a crucial role in helping her understand diabetes
and begin the journey of self-management. Like many families, they initially
missed the early warning signs, unfamiliar with the symptoms of diabetes.
Eventually, a visit to the doctor brought clarity—and a diagnosis that would
shape her life in profound ways.
Where Diabetes and Development Intersect
With a
background in development studies, Shiaura sees diabetes not just as a medical
condition, but as a social and systemic issue.
“Much of
diabetes management falls on the individual,” she explains. “But our ability to
manage it is deeply influenced by systems—healthcare, food systems, social
attitudes, and stigma.”
She
highlights how misinformation and stigma continue to affect people living with
diabetes in South Africa. Simple person-to-person interactions, she believes,
can either reinforce harmful myths or empower someone to take charge of their
health.
“At the
core, it starts with seeing the person as human first. Then asking: how can our
systems better support them?”
How the Diabetes Landscape Has Changed
Over the
past two decades, Shiara has witnessed significant changes in diabetes
care—from improved medical knowledge to evolving management tools. But she notes
that progress is uneven.
“Management
looks different for everyone,” she says. “Each person lives a different life,
so sustainability and confidence in your own care plan are key.”
True
progress, she believes, comes when people feel ownership over their
diabetes—when management strategies are adaptable, personal, and realistic over
the long term.
Thriving, Not Just Surviving
Living with
type 1 diabetes requires constant decision-making, awareness, and resilience.
For Shiara, one of the most powerful tools in thriving has been community.
Sweet Life
has built Africa’s largest online diabetes community by creating spaces where
people can connect, ask questions, and share experiences—both digitally and in
person. From social media conversations to print and digital resources, Sweet
Life meets people where they are.
“Community
normalises the experience,” Shiara says. “Transparent conversations help people
realise they’re not alone.”
This
approach also recognises that education must be accessible in multiple
formats—print, digital, and face-to-face—to truly reach diverse communities
across the country.
Balancing Work and Diabetes
As Project
Manager at Sweet Life, Shiara balances professional responsibilities with
managing her own diabetes—often simultaneously.
“I’m
fortunate to work in an environment where diabetes is understood,” she shares.
“If my blood sugar is low or high, it’s not stigmatised—it’s just part of
life.”
She stresses
that while not every workplace will include someone with diabetes, awareness
and empathy can make a significant difference. Small jokes or casual comments
can unintentionally hurt, highlighting the need for education and sensitivity
in all spaces.
Education, Partnerships, and Real Impact
Sweet Life
focuses on foundational diabetes education that is simple, practical, and easy
to understand. One standout initiative involved distributing 100 community
boxes across the country—each designed to help individuals host their own
diabetes awareness events and spark conversations locally.
“These
partnerships create a ripple effect,” Shiara explains. “They empower people to
educate others in their own communities.”
The Gaps in Diabetes Education
Despite
progress, significant gaps remain. One of the biggest, according to Shiara, is
the absence of a national diabetes programme in South Africa.
“A baseline
national understanding of diabetes would reduce stigma and improve early
diagnosis,” she says. “Healthcare practitioners also need ongoing training to
recognise symptoms and stay up to date.”
Without
consistent national education and policy, many people continue to fall through
the cracks.
Advocating for Change
Sweet
Life’s vision—a South Africa where diabetes is a well-managed condition—is
ambitious but necessary.
Key steps
include: A national diabetes programme; Stronger policy implementation; Government
collaboration grounded in lived experience
Shiara
highlights a major advocacy milestone: a petition with over 8,000 signatures
calling for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) access for all children under
18 with type 1 diabetes in the public sector. The petition was accepted and
acknowledged by government—a crucial first step toward equitable care.
Turning Experience into Advocacy
For those
living with diabetes who want to create change, Shiara’s advice is simple but
powerful:
“Connect.
Find community. Share your experience with people who are willing to listen—and
with those who have the power to act.”
Advocacy
doesn’t always start on a national stage. It can begin in workplaces, clinics,
schools, or online spaces—and grow through collaboration with organisations
like Sweet Life.
Hope for the Future
Looking
ahead, Shiara is hopeful about deeper empowerment, stronger partnerships, and
more standardised care across South Africa.
“Diabetes
is one condition, but it affects every part of daily life,” she says.
“Normalising those experiences—and treating people as partners in care—is
essential.”
Learn More About Sweet Life
To learn
more or get involved:
Facebook
& Instagram: Sweet Life Diabetes Community
Website:
www.sweetlife.org.za
The Sweet
Life website functions like a “diabetes Wikipedia,” offering searchable,
reliable information on a wide range of diabetes-related topics for
everyone—from newly diagnosed individuals to caregivers and healthcare
professionals.
Shiara
Pillay’s journey reminds us that meaningful change happens when lived
experience meets education, empathy, and action. Through Sweet Life, she
continues to help thousands of South Africans navigate diabetes—not alone, but
together.
In the heart of Cape Town's communities, a quiet revolution
is taking place. Since 2004, Hope House Counselling Centre has stood as a
beacon of hope for survivors of gender-based violence, offering donation-based counselling
and support to those who need it most. During the 16 Days of Activism campaign,
we sat down with Deputy Director Natalie Doman at their Kuils River center to
discuss the challenging but vital work they do every day.
PICTURED: From left: Bush Radio presenters, Jasnine Roberts and Nosi Sogoni; Deputy Director of Hope House,
Natalie Doman
More Than Just Physical Violence
When most people think of gender-based violence, they
picture physical abuse, but as the team at Hope House emphasises, the reality
is far more complex. Gender-based violence encompasses emotional abuse,
psychological manipulation, financial control, and gaslighting—forms of harm
that often leave no visible scars but can be equally devastating.
"Our people understand GBV as just physical abuse, but
there's different types," explains Vatiswa Sobezo, a social worker at the
Khayelitsha center. "You get your emotional abuse when someone abuses you
emotionally by using words. And you also get your psychological abuse where they
play with your mind to try and convince you that you're not worth it and you're
nothing without me."
This manipulation keeps many survivors trapped, unable to
recognize the abuse for what it is. The question becomes: How do we equip
people to identify these subtler forms of violence?
The Challenge of Recognition
One of Hope House's primary goals is helping survivors
recognise abuse in all its forms. Many people, especially from older
generations and certain communities, have been conditioned to believe that
staying and "working things out" is the only option—particularly if
there's no physical violence involved.
"A lot of people are not familiar to identify the
signs," notes the interviewer. "They think, 'He didn't beat me, so I
can't say I need to leave.'" This mindset, reinforced by cultural
expectations and generational patterns, creates an invisible prison that can be
harder to escape than a physical one.
The work of breaking these cycles requires patience and
individualized care. As Natalie explains, "Every situation is different,
and you can't just generalize everything. It is important to be able to work
with that person to see how that specific person's situation is different and
how we can navigate that to come up with a solution."
A Collaborative Approach to Safety
Hope House doesn't work in isolation. Their strength lies
in partnerships with courts, police stations, and social development services
throughout the Western Cape. This network is crucial for survivors who have
lost faith in the justice system.
While many survivors feel that reporting abuse is futile,
Hope House provides what they describe as a "safe space"—somewhere to
be heard, believed, and supported through what is always a complex process.
The reality of leaving an abusive situation is rarely
straightforward. "It is definitely a process and it's something that the
female or the wife or the partner definitely needs to think about and be
completely sure that this is what they are going to do," Natalie
acknowledges. Hope House assists in finding safe spaces and works with
organizations like SAPS and social services, though the process can be
challenging, especially when someone decides they need help immediately.
Supporting Children in Crisis
The center also provides crucial support for children
affected by violence. While legal restrictions prevent counselling children
under 12 without parental consent, Hope House typically uses 16 as their age
marker. When children arrive seeking help, particularly those who fear for
their safety, the staff can connect them with police and social services to
ensure proper procedures are followed.
This work with children is especially critical in areas
like the Cape Flats, where violence is often driven by multiple factors
including substance abuse, poverty, and intergenerational trauma.
Breaking Generational Patterns
Perhaps the most challenging aspect of Hope House's work is
helping shift mindsets across generations. While younger people are
increasingly refusing to tolerate abuse in any form, older generations often
hold onto beliefs that prioritize keeping problems private and staying in
marriages regardless of circumstances.
"The younger generation are getting more awoke,"
the conversation notes. "They're not tolerating that. If you've left your
hands or manipulated me or any form of abuse, I have the chance to stand up and
walk away."
The question remains: How do we change these deeply
ingrained patterns? How do we break what has become a generational curse?
The answer, according to Hope House, lies in education,
empowerment, and equipping people with tools to make informed choices. Their
workshops focus not just on identifying abuse, but on building the skills and
self-worth necessary to envision and create a different life.
PICTURED: Bush Radio presenters, Jasnine roberts and Nosi Sogoni; Vuyo Bopi and Vatiswa Sebezo, social workers at Hope House counselling centre
The Reality of Seasonal Spikes
Natalie observes that statistics for gender-based violence
tend to increase during certain times of the year, particularly around holidays
when stress, alcohol consumption, and family tensions rise. While society talks
about these issues intensely during campaigns like the 16 Days of Activism, the
reality is that survivors need support 365 days a year.
"Gender-based violence thrives in silence," the
broadcast reminds us. The work doesn't stop when the campaign ends.
How You Can Help
Hope House operates entirely on donations, making community
support essential to keeping their doors open. They currently have a campaign
asking people to consider donating 50 or 100 rand per month. As Natalie points
out, "If 50 people pay R100 per month, it's something we can work
with."
For those interested in supporting this vital work,
donations can be made through their website at www.hopehouse.org.za, with
options to support their centers in Khayelitsha, Kuils River, or Tokai.
Our Role in the Fight
The 16 Days of Activism campaign reminds us that we all
have a role to play in ending gender-based violence and femicide. Whether
through supporting organisations like Hope House, speaking out against
violence, educating ourselves and others, or simply believing and supporting
survivors when they find the courage to share their stories—every action
matters.
Gender-based violence is not just a women's issue or a
seasonal concern. It's a societal crisis that demands year-round attention,
resources, and collective action. Organisations like Hope House are on the
front lines of this fight, providing the compassionate, individualised care
that can help survivors not just escape violence, but rebuild their lives.
Their message is clear: your mental health matters, help is
available, and you don't have to face this alone.
As we mark the beginning of the 16 Days of Activism for No
Violence Against Women and Children, the Sakhisizwe team, as part of Bush Radio's Push Forward 16 days campaign, took its microphones
directly to an organisation making a profound difference in our community: Home
of Hope. This year's theme, "Unite and Digital Violence Against All Women
and Girls," reminds us that violence takes many forms, but today we're
addressing a particularly devastating yet often invisible form of violence that
begins before a child is even born.
The Hidden Violence: Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder
(FASD)
At Home of Hope, the staff witness firsthand the impact of
abuse, neglect, and abandonment on society's most vulnerable members. Many
children in their care carry not just the invisible scars of trauma, but also
the permanent effects of FASD, a condition that represents violence inflicted
even before birth.
The founding CEO of Home of Hope, Eleanor Brook, shares the
organisation's origins: "It initially started as a place to try and find
families for children, and then we discovered FASD, foetal alcohol spectrum
disorder, and from there we have evolved into what we are today."
Understanding FASD: A Preventable Yet Incurable Condition
FASD is known as an invisible disability, affecting
children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy. The condition causes
permanent brain damage that impacts every aspect of a person's life. As Kayla
Abel, the acting CEO, explains, the effects are far-reaching: "Secondary
challenges include suicide, trouble with the law, addiction, substance abuse, work-related
issues, and early dropouts from school."
What makes this particularly heartbreaking is that FASD is
100% preventable yet 100% incurable. Eleanor puts it bluntly: "Would you
take a bottle of beer, put a teat on it and give it to your baby to drink? No,
you wouldn't. So it's exactly the same thing prenatally."
FROM LEFT: Bush Radio presenters, Jasnine Roberts and Meeral Mansoor; CEO and Founder, Eleanor Brooke; Acting CEO, Kayla Abel; Principal Roxanne Naickee
The women who give birth to children with FASD often come
from environments marked by violence and poverty. These circumstances create
conditions where substance abuse becomes a coping mechanism. Adding to the
challenge is the fact that alcohol is legal and socially accepted in our
country.
"Young people don't even know they're pregnant,
they're partying, they're drinking," Eleanor notes. "I think it just
needs to be a lot of awareness needs to go out, and we should be speaking to
everybody about this challenge and problem."
The issue transcends economic boundaries. As the team at
Home of Hope emphasizes, this affects families from all socioeconomic
backgrounds, not just impoverished communities.
A Holistic Approach to Care
Home of Hope operates five distinct projects designed to
support children and young adults with FASD throughout their lives:
1. The Children's Home
Providing 24/7 care for 25 children, the home operates on a
family-centered model rather than institutional care. Each child receives
individualized therapeutic services, love, and attention tailored to their
specific needs and challenges.
2. Amatemba School
Led by Principal Roxanne N aickeeand Senior Teacher Landisa
Sibanda, the school serves 33 learners, including 19 from informal settlements.
The school provides not just education but also basic necessities like bathing
facilities and meals, ensuring children are ready to learn.
"We've had children that were expelled from mainstream
schools due to behaviour challenges from FASD," Kayla explains. "At
the school, we ensure that we empower every single child with an education and
equip them with skills for a brighter future."
3. The Working Care Farm
Recognizing that young adults with FASD cannot simply be
released into society at 18, Home of Hope created a farm where they learn practical
skills like building garden trellises and crafting items for sale.
4. Living Life Programme
This mentoring initiative prepares young adults for
independence by teaching essential life skills: budgeting, creating CVs, using
public transportation, and navigating healthcare systems.
5. The Charity Shop
Located at 215 Blouberg Road in Tableview, the shop serves
multiple purposes: fundraising, skills training for young adults, and providing
affordable goods to the community.
The Reality of Living with FASD
Caring for someone with FASD requires extraordinary
patience and specific strategies. As Kayla describes, individuals with FASD are
concrete learners who struggle with abstract concepts. A simple instruction
like "take the bun out, wash it, and put it back" is overwhelming
because it contains multiple steps.
"You'd have to have visuals," Kayla explains.
"In our children's home, their chore chart has visual pictures showing
their face, a clock, and what chore they'll be doing and when."
Perhaps most importantly, caregivers must understand that a
young adult with FASD is typically functioning at half their chronological age
emotionally and socially. An 18-year-old may have the emotional capacity of an
8 or 9-year-old.
Early Warning Signs
Teachers at Amatemba School are trained to recognize and
preempt behavioral challenges. Roxanne shares their approach: "We do
circle time where we look at the emotions of children and how they're feeling.
If we see a child tapping or looking irritable, those are cues and triggers for
us to use calming techniques."
This proactive approach helps prevent escalation and
creates a supportive learning environment where children can thrive despite
their challenges.
Breaking the Cycle: What We Can All Do
The team at Home of Hope emphasizes that everyone has a
role to play in preventing FASD and supporting affected families:
Spread Awareness: Talk about FASD with friends, family, and
in your social circles. Share information you've learned.
Speak Up Without Judgment: If you see a pregnant woman
drinking, inform her about the risks with compassion, not condemnation.
Educate Yourself: Use available resources, including social
media and online platforms, to research FASD and share accurate information.
Support Organizations: Donate to places like Home of Hope.
Contact them at 021-556-3573 or visit their charity shop Monday to Friday, 9 AM
to 4 PM, and Saturdays 9 AM to 2 PM.
Start Uncomfortable Conversations: Don't wait for family
gatherings or social events to pass without discussing issues that truly
matter.
A Call to Action
As Eleanor powerfully states: "I think the biggest
tool we have is our mouth. It's word of mouth. You've learned a whole lot of
things today. Start speaking. We really just need to start talking. We all need
to take responsibility to stop ignoring it and actually start speaking."
During these 16 Days of Activism and beyond, let's commit
to breaking the silence around FASD and all forms of violence against women and
children. Every child deserves to be safe, valued, and empowered to reach their
full potential.
The work happening at Home of Hope demonstrates that with
proper support, structure, and unconditional love, children and young adults
with FASD can lead meaningful lives. But they shouldn't have to face these
challenges in the first place. Prevention starts with awareness, and awareness
starts with each of us.
For more information about Home of Hope or to contribute to
their mission, contact them at 021-556-3573 or visit their charity shop at 215
Blouberg Road, Tableview.
