YOUNG HOPEFUL

Being young and living in South Africa comes with many challenges such as unemployment, peer pressure and at times, access to basic services i.e. education. When a child is placed in an institution such as a children’s home or is a part of a community care programme, it seems the stacks against you are stacked even higher. But, being in a home or programme could be the one chance that helps change a child’s life. CHANGED BEHAVIOUR IS A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS. Thembi (17) has always felt the need to fit in. Her mother passed away when she was a baby and her father’s whereabouts are unknown. She was adopted by family members but that was not a conducive environment for a young girl who longed to belong. As a coping mechanism, Thembi began stealing, lying and was disrespectful to those around her and her family could not take care of her anymore. In 2015, she was placed at the Abraham Kriel Bambanani Langlaagte Campus and attends a special needs school. She was a disruptive pupil and was always fighting with others. In 2020, after countless therapy sessions, Thembi and her social worker had a break through. “In 2020, we saw a big change in Thembi’s behaviour. This behavioural change may have been brought on by the fact that we had traced and found her maternal family. This has had a positive impact on her – she now has a sense of belonging. She has become more open and through therapy has gained insight into her behaviour and is always trying to do better”, says Social Worker, Renata van Jaarsveld. Thembi is in her final year at school and is an RCL member (prefect). A huge accomplishment for a pupil who was disruptive and disrespectful. Thembi wants to become a chef and she and her social worker are looking at culinary schools. “Thembi has had a career assessment and we know for sure that this is what she wants to do. She has been consistent with her dream of becoming a chef – she is always helping with cooking at the house and is always the first to put up her hand to bake or cook lunch for special occasions. We are looking for a culinary school for her. She is anxious about her future but is excited and looking forward to what the next chapter of her life brings”, adds Renata.