Empower 30 Young South African Leaders

"training4changeS really is one big family," someone piped up during our end of year camp with the Futsal Academy boys last weekend. "We have literal family members like JP & Tyler (cousins on the U16 & U14 teams), Earl & Eagon (brothers on the U16 & U12 teams), Leathan & Logan (brothers on the U16 & U14 teams), Sihle & Lithemba (cousins on the U16 & U12 teams); plus we have Coach Keke & Oni (brothers, Oni is on the U12 team), as well as Coach Lorenzo & JP (father & son)."Besides that we have people from many different backgrounds & communities who have grown to love each other like brothers."

It really is beautiful to see how the bonds continue to deepen within our group. As we've expanded towards 45 children in the Futsal Academy this year, it is fantastic to see how the new boys have been welcomed into the fold. As we all spent time away together during the camp it was incredible to see how the culture is being passed from one age group to another.

One of the most important things we do at training4changeS is provide safe healing centered spaces where young people feel welcomed and are able to build positive connections with people from different backgrounds. Dr. Bruce Perry points out that, "for children and youth experiencing trauma, the best predictor of their current mental health functioning is their current relational health, or connectedness." It is beautiful and encouraging to see the impact of the relationship-based approach we've pioneered over the last 9 years. As Dr. Perry adds, "Relationships are the agents of change, and the most powerful therapy is human love." We are so grateful for the time we were able to spend together as family on camp, and also for the long road we are able to walk with these boys.