July 17, 2024 – WPDI South Africa has formed a strategic partnership with the University of the Western Cape in Cape Town, aimed at leveraging the expertise and resources of both institutions to create a positive impact on the community. Through this collaboration, 10 dedicated fourth-year Social Work interns have joined the WPDI Psycho-Social Well-Being Programme, bringing their skills, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives to the initiative.
Their involvement has significantly enhanced the program’s efforts in promoting mental and social well-being and driving meaningful social change within the Cape Flats community. This partnership exemplifies a commitment to fostering community development and empowering individuals to build a more resilient and supportive society.
The interns themselves have highlighted the importance of the initiatives: “Over the past two weeks, it’s been evident that WPDI is deeply committed to promoting peace and development for those in need. Even in this short time, it’s clear that as student social workers, we will gain deep insights into humility, peace, and prosperity. We are committed to advocating for social justice and aim to become valuable contributors to this remarkable organization,” said Eswille Bottom, one of the interns.
The Social Work interns have been actively involved in a wide range of activities within the Psychosocial Well-Being Programme. Their engagements include individual and group counseling, community dialogues, and comprehensive psychosocial well-being training sessions covering trauma, healing, and mental health.
Key topics covered in these sessions included understanding trauma and its effects, coping strategies, building resilience, self-care, and empowerment. They also focused on community support, solidarity, and practical exercises for personal reflection. Furthermore, the interns have played a crucial role in the sanitary pads project, reaching 40 schools across the Cape Flats, where they provided essential training to young girls on menstrual hygiene and sexual and reproductive health rights.
Additionally, they participated in training sessions alongside the Youth Peacemakers in these schools, covering critical topics such as Life Skills, Substance Abuse, Self-Esteem, and Mental Well-Being, among others. The impact of these trainings has been profound, reaching 628 individuals and 1,870 students, fostering resilience, enhancing mental health awareness, and promoting empowerment among diverse community members. The positive feedback and testimonials underscore the importance and impact of these initiatives, highlighting the need for continued efforts to support and empower all members of our communities.
This strategic partnership has proven to be a transformative force in the Cape Flats community, significantly advancing efforts to promote mental health, social well-being, and community resilience. The extensive training sessions, community engagements, and life-changing projects such as the sanitary pads initiative have collectively empowered hundreds of individuals, equipping them with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and overcome personal and communal challenges. The positive outcomes and profound impact observed underscore the critical importance of such partnerships and initiatives in fostering a supportive and resilient society. Moving forward, continued collaboration and sustained efforts will be essential in building on these achievements and furthering the mission of community empowerment and development.
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