In 2025, 38 of our Care Facilitators graduated as Social Auxiliary Workers. Rukaya Adams shares with us the impact that this had on her career.

I joined Community Keepers in August 2022 as a Care Facilitator at a primary school. Before joining, I was working at Year Beyond at a primary school that I had attended as a learner myself. I could clearly see the needs within the school community. When I saw the opportunity at Community Keepers, I applied, not fully knowing what the role would require, but knowing I was willing to learn and wanting to make a difference.

The Mental Health First Aid training I received from Amanda before starting officially really inspired me. It opened my eyes to the importance of mental health support and immediately sparked a passion in me. I knew I wanted to be part of something that could positively impact learners’ lives.

One story that will always stay with me involves a particular learner. He arrived early one morning and shared everything that had been happening in his life. It was an emotional and heavy conversation. After he finished speaking, there was a moment of silence and he apologised for not confiding in us sooner. I gently reassured him that what mattered most was that he had spoken up now.

From there, I followed the appropriate referral process and ensured the necessary interventions were initiated. What remains most meaningful to me is that, even though I no longer work at the school or at Community Keepers, whenever he sees me, he still runs to greet me. That reminds me that the safe spaces we create and the relationships we build truly matter.

Working with Community Keepers transformed my understanding of community wellbeing. I learned that social impact often begins with one safe space, one conversation and one trusted adult. I witnessed how early intervention within schools can prevent more severe challenges later in life. I came to understand that providing guidance and support in vulnerable communities can change not only a child’s life but also the trajectory of an entire family. The organisation also invested in my personal and professional growth. In 2023, Care Facilitators were given the opportunity to apply for further studies. I doubted myself initially and consulted my Area Manager before submitting my motivational letter.

Shortly thereafter, I received confirmation that I had been successful. That moment was life changing. Balancing full time studies with full time work was demanding, but I persevered. I was supported by an exceptional mentor, Russia Davids, whose academic and personal guidance shaped my development significantly. Because of that support, I am now living out my passion for serving vulnerable individuals and families.

After completing my Social Auxiliary Work qualification in August 2024 and registering with the South African Council for Social Service Professions, I received a job offer to work at a safe house in Stellenbosch, supporting survivors of gender-based violence and their children. My responsibilities included facilitating caregiving groups for mothers and educational group sessions for children not attending school.

Currently, I am employed at the Department of Social Development as a Social Auxiliary Worker. My daily responsibilities include conducting home visits, accompanying clients for medical assessments, assisting with late birth registrations, supporting social workers with foster care applications, accompanying clients to court and assisting with client screenings under the guidance of a case manager. A significant portion of my role involves administrative work, which is important for service delivery, accountability and legislative compliance. I am most passionate about gaining experience in generic social work and deepening my understanding of legislative processes and procedures within child protection and family services. Although this differs from school-based work, it has broadened my professional perspective within the field of social work.

One of the most valuable skills I gained at Community Keepers is the ability to build rapport and create a safe space. Working with learners strengthened my ability to listen actively, empathetically and without judgement. This skill is invaluable in my current role, particularly during home visits and when engaging with vulnerable families.

Community Keepers also instilled resilience, adaptability and effective time management in me, especially during periods when I had to manage responsibilities independently. These lessons continue to guide me in my current professional journey.

From an external perspective, I believe Community Keepers’ most significant contribution is providing accessible mental health support directly within schools. Many children in vulnerable communities would otherwise not have access to counselling or emotional support services. By identifying challenges early and providing timely intervention within the school setting, the organisation plays a vital preventative role. Its impact extends beyond individual learners, strengthening entire school communities.

 “Community Keepers did not only impact the learners I worked with, it changed my life.”