On being a keeper
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One of the things we value most is the opportunity to listen; our therapists are trained in active listening. Listening to children describe their struggles, listening to young people speaking up and speaking out on the topics that really matter to them and listening to parents who, at times, feel overwhelmed. We make time to attend seminars and listen to academics table their theories and their findings and we visit our funders regularly to listen to what it is that they hope to achieve.
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This week, we were privileged to listen to Minister Reagen Allen (MEC Police Oversight & Community Safety in the Western Cape) and his colleagues Kelly Baloyi and Marcellino Martin when they visited our therapist, Lauren Schilder, and her therapy rooms at Tygerhof Primary School. Mrs Shaheeda Harris (Principal) and Ms Sharlene Laishley (Deputy Principal) joined us, adding their voices to the conversation.
Minister Allen is a great storyteller and the theme of the visit was centered around the word “keeper” in our name. He referenced the term “my brother’s keeper” and the choice we make to be responsible for the welfare of the people around us – to care for them and watch over them.
We can not always immediately change circumstances but listening is a tool that brings connection, a sense of belonging, camaraderie, common purpose, it helps mend relationships and we find that, with time, it brings peace too.
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In our work we often talk about going upstream and the Minister confirmed our ripple effect into communities and community safety. Our programs are not only about Social Development, also Health, Education and Community Safety.
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